Black Sticks Women coach, Sean Dancer. Photo / Photosport
New Zealand hockey have lost another coach, with Black Sticks women's assistant coach Sean Dancer leaving to coach the Ireland women's national team.
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.
In a media release, Dancer spoke of his feelings in leaving an organisation he's been part of for over a decade.
"I would like to thank the players for all their efforts," Dancer said. "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.
