Burrows calls time on his test career

The New Zealand men’s hockey team’s most-capped player and highest goal-scorer has confirmed his retirement from the international game.

Phil Burrows played 343 games and scored 150 goals in a Black Sticks career that begun in 2000 and included appearances at three Olympics, four Commonwealth Games and four World Cups.

The 36-year-old has not turned out for his country since the World League semifinal in Argentina in June last year and, after taking on an assistant coaching role with the team at last week’s international quad series in Australia, felt it was the right time to make the call.

‘‘I wasn’t really even thinking about it to be honest but I saw a few other guys retiring and thought it was a good time to do it, especially being in Melbourne with the guys.

‘‘I’m pretty upset to let the international game go but am really liking the fact that I’m still involved in the game. I think I would’ve been a lot more upset if I’d had to give everything away.

‘‘I was lucky enough to travel the world playing the game I love and the main thing is the friends I’ve gained all over the world.’’

Burrows, who frequently played club hockey in Europe in the latter years of his New Zealand career, lives in Melbourne, is still playing and has become increasingly involved in coaching.

Reflecting on an international career with so many major tournaments and special moments, Burrows said what he had gained off the field had been just as important as some of the things he had achieved on it.

‘‘People always say ‘what are your best moments’ and I’ve had plenty, but some of the best moments for me haven’t even been on the pitch they’ve just been spending time with the guys.

‘‘Game wise though, at the 2002 Commonwealth Games I had a pretty good semi and scored four against Pakistan so that’s a massive highlight and always will be.

‘‘Also the 2004 Olympic Games as a team we performed above expectations and personally I had a good tournament and managed to take out top field goal scorer so I was pretty happy with that and it’s something I’ll remember forever.

Burrows played for the Black Sticks mainly as a striker but also featured in the midfield.

As evidenced by his international record, the Wellingtonborn player was particularly dangerous in the attacking circle and scored numerous goals via his powerful reverse stick shot.