Hockey: Steinmetz to retire

Rachel Steinmetz has played over 100 matches for NZ.

New Zealand defender Rachel Steinmetz (nee Sutherland) has announced her retirement from international hockey.

Steinmetz, 29, retires as one of the few players to have played 100 games for New Zealand, having reached the century at the 2004 Champions Trophy last November.

She debuted for New Zealand in 2000. Her career spanned one Olympics, at Athens last year, one World Cup (2002), one Commonwealth Games, (2002) and four Champions Trophies, (2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004).

Previously based in Wellington, Steinmetz spent most of 2005 in Ireland where she married former All Black Paul Steinmetz.

She returned in September to play for Wellington, helping them to win their second national league title in three years. She has now returned to Ireland.

Steinmetz has battled a back injury for the past couple of years.

National Coach Ian Rutledge was in admiration of the skilful defender's contribution.

"Rachel showed immense courage and tenacity to overcome a serious back injury," he said.

"During my involvement with the team over the last two years, Rachel showed all the qualities required to make a very good defender and was an integral part of a steady defence."

- NZPA