Hockey: Brooks coming home after concussion

The World Cup qualifying tournament in China is over before it began for New Zealand hockey player Gareth Brooks.

Brooks suffered concussion after being knocked out during a practice match against England in Changzhou yesterday.

That has resulted in Brooks being ruled out of the tournament, which starts tomorrow when New Zealand play China.

He will be replaced in the squad by fellow Aucklander Hamish Baron, 19, who has played eight times for New Zealand.

It is planned for Baron to leave for China tomorrow while Brooks will return home as soon as he is cleared to fly, which is expected to be in three or four days.

Also, Bevan Hari is in doubt for the match against China after spraining an ankle yesterday.

- NZPA