Hockey: Couzins announces retirement

New Zealand captain Dean Couzins has retired from international hockey.

Couzins, 33, has won 318 caps, second most in New Zealand history behind team mate Phil Burrows.

The Auckland defender announced his decision after New Zealand were beaten in a penalty shootout in the bronze medal match against England at the Commonwealth Games today.

He has been in the national team for 13 years. Couzins felt he could not commit to the Olympic cycle through to the Rio Games in 2016.

He played in three Olympics and four Commonwealth Games.