Experienced trio calls time on Black Sticks

New Zealand’s Black Sticks men have lost more than 550 caps of international experience leading into next year’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.

Arun Panchia, Marcus Child and Cory Bennett announced their retirements from international hockey yesterday.

The trio was part of New Zealand’s silver medal side from the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and have 569 international caps among them.

Panchia, who retires as the fifth most capped Black Stick of all time with 287 appearances, is a former captain who made his international debut in 2009. He was also part of the 2016 squad who competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Stepping away from the international game due to increased responsibility with his employer, Panchia said it was a dream to have worn the black shirt.

Child, who retires with 172 caps for the Black Sticks, is stepping away due to work commitments.

He has taken on a new role with his current employer.

Bennett, who finishes his international career with 110 caps after debuting alongside Child in 2013, said the black shirt meant so much to him growing up and still does but the time is right to step away.

‘‘I always felt that if I couldn’t put everything into the shirt, it is time to call it quits,’’ he said.

Black Sticks head coach Darren Smith said the trio will be missed.

‘‘While the retirement of quality internationals is always felt by the group, what is fantastic is watching their lives and careers take shape.’’