Dancer off to coach Ireland
Sean Dancer has followed Mark Hager out the door of Hockey New Zealand to become the next head coach of Ireland’s women’s national team.
Dancer has been the interim head coach of the Black Sticks women’s team after the controversial departure of Hager, who resigned in January to take up a role with Great Britain before an independent review revealed serious concerns from players about a ‘‘negative environment’’ during his tenure.
An assistant to Hager since 2013, Dancer has been involved in some capacity with New Zealand’s men’s and women’s national teams since 2009.
In Dancer’s time as an assistant with the Black Sticks women, the team never dropped outside of the world’s top six and they won their first gold medal at the Commonwealth
Games on the Gold Coast last year.
Dancer, who has led the
Black Sticks in the first 11 matches of this year’s FIH Pro
League, said he was proud of the team’s progress and achievements.
‘‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Hockey NZ over the last 10 years. Apart from developing some great NZ friendships, I have also had the opportunity to coach with and learn from some of the world’s best coaches in Mark Hager and Shane McLeod,’’ he said.
‘‘I would like to thank the players for all their efforts, Hockey New Zealand for the opportunities, the staff for their hard work and my family and friends for all their support, that has made this last 10 years an unforgettable period of my coaching career and life.’’
Paul McKinnon, Hockey New Zealand’s high performance director, wished Dancer well for his new role with Ireland.
‘‘Sean’s input, initiatives and contribution to the Black Sticks women’s team and programme overall has been outstanding, from 2013 to 2018 as assistant coach where the achievements have included Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medals, World League silver and bronze medals and a fourth place at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
‘‘His level of coaching knowledge, expertise and contribution to the national women’s programme will be missed by all.’’
Graham Shaw, who coached the Ireland women’s team, was last month announced as the replacement for Hager as Black Sticks women’s head coach.