Hockey: Coach to quit Black Sticks

Black Sticks coach Ian Rutledge has confirmed he is to leave the top job.

Rutledge yesterday confirmed statements made earlier this year that he would not be applying for the national women's coaching job when applications close on Friday, The Press newspaper reported today.

His tenure will end when his contract expires on October 31.

Rutledge said he informed Hockey New Zealand of his decision last week.

He said his four years in the job had been hectic and he did not have the energy to carry on.

He had what he described as a "philosophical difference" with Hockey New Zealand, an organisation he said did not have "an unrelenting pursuit of excellence".

Rutledge, 34, has already said he wouldn't been seeking an extension to his contract.

He cited a need to work regular hours to be around his family as a reason for his decision rather than the fallout with leading player Lizzy Igasan since the Commonwealth Games in March.

The Black Sticks produced some stunning results under Rutledge until unavailability and retirement denied the team the much-needed experience for major tournaments this year.

In his four years with the team he improved their ranking from 11th in the world to sixth.

- NZPA