Hockey: Shaw puts teaching before Cup

MOTIVATED: Hayden Shaw still has the Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games in his sights. Photo / Supplied

The Black Sticks will be without drag-flick exponent Hayden Shaw at next year's World Cup in New Delhi.

Shaw, 29, yesterday followed his younger brother Brad in making himself unavailable for the 12-team February-March tournament but insisted he has not retired and still had the six-team Champions Trophy in August and October's Commonwealth Games in his sights.

A clash with the start of the new school year has ruled Shaw out.

"I'm really enjoying my teaching at present. I will be up a level next year to take a year 7-8 class at South New Brighton School and I could not afford to take the six weeks off that would be required for the training camp and the World Cup," Shaw said. "I haven't retired but I just can't afford the time at that time.

"In the past we have been able to prepare down here [in Christchurch]. We are not professionals and six weeks away would be very difficult.

"I am sure there are guys who would give their right arm to play for the Black Sticks and they might get their chance now. To go away at that time would not do my hockey or my teaching any good."

Shaw is likely to still play a part in the World Cup build-up.

"Shane McLeod has asked me to go up to Auckland for a weekend to flick a few at the goalkeepers and work with the guys who will be drag-flicking. For Andy Hayward, Richard Petherick and Joseph Bartholomew it is a good opportunity to have a go," said Shaw, who has scored 120 goals for New Zealand.

The Shaw brothers also missed the recent Champions Challenge tournament in Argentina where the Black Sticks qualified for the Champions Trophy.

Brad Shaw pulled out of the World Cup a few weeks ago as his wife Melissa is expecting their first baby at that time.

Also missing will be 106-cap veteran James Nation, who yesterday announced his retirement. Nation, who made his debut in 2003, played a World Cup and an Olympic Games and follows other recent retirements as the ever-increasing international programme calls for a greater commitment.