Blow for Sticks as assistant quits role

New Zealand hockey have lost another coach, with Black Sticks women’s assistant coach Sean Dancer leaving to coach Ireland’s women.

Dancer, who has been with the Black Sticks women since 2009, acting as assistant coach since 2013, helped the side to a record high sixth in hockey’s world rankings, as well gold at last year’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Dancer’s departure comes after head coach Mark Hager quit in January. Hager’s departure was followed by a review into the Black Sticks women’s team that found a negative environment.

“I would like to thank the players for all their efforts,” Dancer said in a statement. “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

I have had the opportunity to coach with and learn from some of the world’s best coaches in Mark Hager and Shane McLeod. Sean Dancer

period of my coaching career and life.

“Apart from developing some great 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.

“To be provided with the chance to lead a quality programme and team on the world stage, is something that I have personally aspired to for a long period of time — and look forward to the opportunity to continue and add to the team’s world-class performances over the last 12 months.”

Hockey New Zealand highperformance director Paul MacKinnon said Dancer’s input had been outstanding. “Sean has taken on the interim head coach role since early January with the high level of commitment, energy and leadership.

“His level of coaching knowledge, expertise and contribution to the national women’s programme will be missed. However, the exciting opportunity of the head coach role for the Irish women’s team in front of Sean is one that we wish him all the best for.”