South African Women’s Hockey Co-Captain and double Olympian Erin Christie (née Hunter), along with dynamic striker Tarryn Lombard (née Glasby), have decided to step back from the international stage. They join Dirkie Chamberlain in calling the final chapter of their remarkable careers to an end.
Erin Christie: A Leader and Inspiration
Erin was an undoubted leader on and off the field, with a quirky personality that often saw her joining the Gwijo Squad or leading the war cries. She always made time for the fans, the media, and the entire hockey community, regularly speaking at schools with an infectious positivity.
Having already represented South Africa at the Junior World Cup in Germany in 2013, Erin made her international debut the following January against the Netherlands in the Summer Series. She scored her first goal in 2015 during a 6-0 win over Chile.
Her first major tournament was the FIH World League Semi-Final in Spain, quickly followed by the African Cup of Nations, the Commonwealth Games, and the FIH Hockey World Cup in 2018. After the COVID pandemic initially dashed her Olympic hopes, Erin earned her place at the Tokyo Olympics, where she also became one of a select group of South African Olympic goal scorers with her strike against India
Erin’s consistency and leadership made her a mainstay in the team. She added a second World Cup and a second Commonwealth Games to her résumé in 2022. She reached her 100-cap milestone against France before heading to Paris for her second Olympic Games, where she chose to hang up her stick.
Tarryn Lombard: A Natural Goal Scorer
Tarryn Lombard brought energy, pace, and an uncanny ability to find the back of the net throughout her international career. She made her debut in 2016 against Scotland, announcing herself as a talent by scoring in just her second game.
A key figure in South Africa’s attacking lineup, Tarryn earned 91 caps and scored 35 goals, many of which came at crucial moments. She represented South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics, where she added her name to the list of Olympic goal scorers with a strike against India. Tarryn also competed in the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games, cementing her reputation as a high-energy, pacy striker with a keen eye for goal.
Tarryn has decided to retire from international hockey to begin an exciting new chapter as she focuses on starting a family.
A Message from SA Hockey
SA Hockey’s Interim CEO, Shaune Baaitjies, shared:
“Both Erin and Tarryn have been incredible ambassadors for South African hockey. Erin’s leadership, passion, and relentless commitment to the game have been an inspiration to everyone who has watched her play. Tarryn’s flair and eye for goal made her a constant threat to the opposition and a joy to watch.
Their contributions to the game, on and off the field, will leave a lasting legacy. We thank them both for their incredible service and wish them all the best as they move into the next chapters of their lives. They will always be part of the SA Hockey family.”
Thank You and Farewell
Thank you for everything, Erin and Tarryn! Here’s to your next adventures—you’ve earned them both!
by South Africa
