Hockey: Weavers quits Black Sticks

Black Sticks captain Di Weavers (left) says she wants to focus on other areas of her life. Picture / John Borren

Captain Di Weavers had more bad news for the New Zealand women's team who continued their barren run at the Champions Trophy in the Netherlands yesterday.

Hours after New Zealand posted their third loss from four matches, a 3-0 defeat to Germany in Amsterdam, the team's most experienced player announced her imminent retirement from the international stage.

Weavers, capped 181 times, said the tournament would be her last in New Zealand colours, leaving her two more games to play for her country.

The Black Sticks complete their round-robin commitments against China today then face the playoff for fifth against Australia tomorrow.

Midlands defender Weavers, 31, will leave the world stage as New Zealand's second most capped player, behind Suzie Muirhead, who ended her career this year with 238 caps.

After making her debut for New Zealand in 1995, Weavers developed into a player described by New Zealand coach Ian Rutledge as "one of the most respected defenders in the game".

"Her consistency, leadership and stability have been critical to the Black Sticks' success," he said.

"Her on-field performances and training ethic have been instrumental to her own success and inspiring to those that have worked with her."

Rutledge said Weavers would be sorely missed by the team, who have yet to score a goal in four outings in Amsterdam.

Weavers said she wanted to focus on other areas of her life.

"I have also just started a new career at the BNZ as a banking adviser and I'm excited about that new focus and keen to get on with my training. I am so fortunate to have been able to play for New Zealand for so long, through so many different eras of players.

"I'm playing alongside someone like Charlotte Harrison who will be around for another 10 years and the team are being managed by Jenny Duck whom I played with 10 years ago."

Weavers plans to play for Midlands in the national league in September. She played most of her hockey in Canterbury before moving to Maketu in Bay of Plenty last year.

- NZPA