The Black Sticks defender has put the stick and ball on the shelf for good, after a 176-cap career which saw her win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Neal says the pandemic has completely changed everyone's year.

>> More Hockey News

Other Hockey News

18 Apr: One of New Zealand's most decorated Black Sticks has retired from international hockey - Olivia Merry exits as the all-time top goal scorer with 128 from 284 appearances

14 Apr: The women's Black Sticks have beaten Japan 2-1 in their hockey international on Auckland's North Shore

13 Apr: A stark admission from returning Black Stick Holly Pearson that she's far from her best ahead of this afternoon's tussle with Japan at Auckland's North Harbour Hockey Stadium

04 Apr: To some sticks down, gloves off action in ice hockey's NHL..

02 Apr: The Black Sticks Men have named three uncapped players as part of an 18-strong squad to compete at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia for the first time since 2019

23 Jan: Kookaburra-turned-Black Stick Scott Boyde is celebrating a dramatic turnaround in his hockey career

22 Jan: At least one men's Black Sticks player has gone from being within minutes of retirement from international hockey to zeroing in on an Olympic campaign

Top Stories

RUGBY
The Miami Heat's caused a boilover in the first round of the NBA playoffs...beating the top ranked Celtics 111 to 101 in Boston to level their Eastern Conference series one-all More...

BUSINESS
Activity in the housing market is holding its own against the rising cost of borrowing More...

Today's News

Living & Travel:
A Hawke's Bay man will walk 100 kilometres on his centennial birthday this November for charity 10:27

Business:
Activity in the housing market is holding its own against the rising cost of borrowing 10:07

International:
Harvey Weinstein has had a huge court victory, reversing a landmark #MeToo ruling. Here's why he won 9:27

Law and Order:
A spate of cash box thefts on Wellington buses 9:27

Environment:
Freight trains will again cross Ashburton's Rangitata rail bridge, thanks to temporary repairs 8:27

Law and Order:
A 61-year-old Porirua man's been arrested, after a car tyre slashing spree 8:17

Cricket:
The Black Caps' young guns have a sniff at a T20 series victory against Pakistan, after taking a 2-1 series lead following a four-run game-four win 8:07

Rugby League:
Warriors coach Andrew Webster is walking towards the challenge of getting his team out of their current slump 7:57

Basketball:
The Wellington Saints have moved to the top of the National Basketball League with a 111-104 win over Hawke's Bay at TSB Arena 7:47

Business:
The cruise-ship season success is being celebrated -- but there's concern next season could hit an iceberg 7:37

News Search

Power Search