NZ hockey great Blair Tarrant retires
- Dave Worsley
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
One of the greats of hockey in New Zealand defensive stalwart Blair Tarrant is retiring from international play after a career spanning 15 years including the last three Olympic Games campaigns.
His career began on the turfs of Dunedin also took in three World Cups and three Commonwealth Games on the way to playing 272 matches for his country.
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Known for his composure and leadership in the heart of New Zealand's defence, Tarrant was captain from 2017 to 2022, guiding the team through a challenging period of transition.
"I've been incredibly lucky to live out a dream," said the 35-year-old.
"To represent New Zealand and play the game I love for so long. None of it would have been possible without my parents, partner, family, friends, and the amazing coaches and managers who have supported me along the way.
"A special thank you to (Southern Hockey coaching great) Dave Ross, who had a huge influence on my development as a hockey player."
Tarrant has been Europe-based for nearly a decade, playing in professional leagues in the Netherlands and Germany.
Black Sticks assistant coach Shea McAlesse shared the field with Tarrant for a decade.
He said the defender had mana within the national side.
"I've never met anyone more determined to improve every single day. He wore the Black Shirt with immense pride, and everything he did epitomised what it means to be a New Zealand great, many others would follow into battle," said McAlesse.
"Taz can hang his stick up knowing he went out on a high. His 2024 campaign was phenomenal, and he was consistently one of the best players for New Zealand, and in the world. He'll go down as one of the greatest ever to wear the fern."
It is expected his legacy will be felt for years to come, both within the Black Sticks environment and across the wider hockey community in New Zealand.