Hockey: Another Aussie to coach here

Photo / APN

The flood of top Australian hockey coaches to New Zealand continues, with Jason Butcher yesterday confirmed as Auckland Hockey's new technical director.

Butcher, 34, follows former women's Black Sticks coach Ian Rutledge and present women's national coach Mark Hager in crossing the Tasman. Ian Hicks, with the Black Sticks as their video analyst, is another who joined the ranks from Australia.

A highly regarded member of Hockey Australia's high-performance programme, Butcher was assistant coach of the Australian women's team. He is also their national goalkeeping coach. He has relinquished his role with the women's team immediately to allow for a replacement to be found before October's Commonwealth Games.

"The Auckland Hockey Association's executive council has given a commitment to the development of our hockey academy and high-performance programmes," said AHA chief executive Rob Baron yesterday. "Jason Butcher will take the role in leading both these programmes."

Baron said it was also planned that Butcher would be involved with coaching of representative teams both at under-21 and National Hockey League level but whether with the men or women has yet to be decided.

Butcher has committed four years to his new position, with his wife and family to accompany him when he starts here in October.

"When we initially advertised the role we did not get a great response," said Baron. "But when people realised what was involved we received a number of high-profile applications.

"We are very fortunate and privileged in securing the services of such a fine coach," said Baron.

"I see Jason's involvement not only assisting in raising the standards of hockey in Auckland but in all hockey in New Zealand."