Successful coach staying on in top hockey job

Mark Hager

Mark Hager is to remain the New Zealand women's national hockey coach.

The former Australian striker began guiding the Black Sticks after the 2008 Beijing Olympics and confirmation that he will continue came yesterday.

His contract was up at the end of this year. Negotiations will start on the length of the extension, but it is likely to be until the Rio Olympics in 2016.

In his time, the team has gone from world No12 ranking to No4.

"Mark has been an integral part of the success of our high performance programme for six years and we are pleased that we can now plan through to Rio Olympics with certainty and confidence," high performance director Terry Evans said.

"Mark can see the potential that the Black Sticks women have - they are a very talented, committed group of players who have huge respect for him."

Hager, one of hockey's most prolific scorers with 179 goals in 230 internationals, helped the Black Sticks to silver and bronze medals at the last two Commonwealth Games, fourth at the London Olympics and fifth at the World Cup.

Among the immediate challenges is putting a team together for the Champions Trophy in Argentina at the end of November, when New Zealand will be without longtime captain and midfield organiser Kayla Whitelock. Named women's player of the past year, Whitelock is taking time out with her rugby-playing husband, George, in Japan.

Before that, the Black Sticks have a six-test series against the United States, ranked No8, with two tests each in Stratford (October 18 and 19), Palmerston North (October 21 and 23) and, in its international debut, Carterton (October 23 and 26).