Hager unsuccessful on return to NZ

Mark Hager’s reunion with the Black Sticks has not gone to plan for the former New Zealand coach.

The women’s Black Sticks upset the Hager-coached Great Britain 5-1 in their FIH Pro League match last night as international hockey returned to Christchurch for the first time since Porritt Park was destroyed in the 2011 earthquakes.

Hager, 54, resigned as Black Sticks coach in January under a cloud of controversy to take up an opportunity with the Great Britain and England women’s teams.

He had spent almost a decade trying to orchestrate wins for the Black Sticks but had just three days with the Great Britain team before his first match in charge.

An independent review, commissioned by Hockey New Zealand, remains ongoing following a group of past and present players alleging bullying and a toxic team culture under Hager.

The findings of the review are set to be made public later this month.

Seven former players went public in their support of Hager.

Last night, the New Zealand side, now coached by Hager’s former assistant Sean classy for the champions.

Hager and Dancer obviously still have a strong relationship with Hager interrupting a halftime Dancer interview on with a light-hearted jibe.

Earlier yesterday, reported that Great Britain Hockey’s signing of Hager was labelled a ‘‘significant risk’’ by a senior sporting figure. said Chelsea Warr, UK Sport’s director of performance, had urged GB Hockey executives by email to postpone the appointment until the findings of the review were known. Dancer, reigning was too Olympic

Warr’s email, dated December 16, says: ‘‘Is GB Hockey confident to appoint a coach who is the subject of an independent review without seeing the findings and recommendations? This is a significant risk and I wonder whether it would be prudent to pause the process until the review is finalised.’’

Earlier, the men’s Black Sticks suffered a hefty 6-2 loss at the hands of Great Britain.

The Black Sticks were outplayed and outhustled by an energetic Great Britain side.

The humbling loss was an unfortunate way for Black Sticks midfielder Nic Woods to bring up his 100th test match in the black shirt, but he did manage a goal in his milestone match.

Great Britain, who led 5-0 at one point, were clinical on attack and defence and limited opportunities for a dull Black Sticks side in a highscoring match.

New Zealand 5 (Olivia Merry 3, Ella Gunson, Amy Robinson) Great Britain 1 (Giselle Ansley).

Great Britain 6 (Sam Ward 3, Phil Roper 2, Adam Dixon) New Zealand 2 (Nic Woods, Hugo Inglis).

WOMEN:

MEN: