New Zealand men's
hockey captain Dean Couzins has announced his retirement from international
hockey after his side lost the bronze medal play-off game against England 2-4
in a penalty shootout after both teams played out a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Couzins – one of the solid fullbacks in the Black Sticks backline – represented his country in three Olympics – 2004, 2008 and 2012. The seasoned defender made his senior international debut in 2001 against Malaysia and made 318 international appearances - he is Black Sticks' second most capped player after Phil Burrows.
The 33-year-old seasoned defender played in four World Cups – 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 as well as three Commonwealth Games – 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2012 editions.
Couzins will be sorely missed by New Zealand in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where they will bid to corner glory – the only time they won gold was at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
The writer can be contacted at: suhridbarua@gmail.com
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