Batch resigns as Black Sticks Men's coach

Hockey New Zealand has confirmed that Colin Batch will step down as head coach of the Black Sticks Men, effective immediately.

"We wish Colin all the best and thank him for his dedication to the Black Sticks Mens programme during his four years in New Zealand," Hockey New Zealand High Performance Director Terry Evans said.

"We know this decision hasnt been an easy one for Colin, and that having been away from his family in Australia for eight years has been the main reason for returning back home.

"Colin has developed an international programme that will lead to success into the future, making the role of head coach of the Black Sticks Men one that we know will be sought after by coaches locally and around the world."

Batch, a former Australian international, led the Black Sticks Men for the past four years leading on from the London 2012 Olympics.

Prior to that he was head coach of the Belgium Men for two years, and was assistant coach of the Australian Men for eight years which included two successful Olympic campaigns. He also played 175 internationals for Australia.

Batch oversaw a major culture shift during his time as Black Sticks Mens coach and achieved a silver medal finish at the 2014 World League Final, fourth at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and gold at the 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

This year his side secured bronze medals at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Six Nations in Valencia.

Hockey New Zealand will be recruiting for a new head coach shortly with the role hoped to be filled as soon as possible.





- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Hockey NZ