New Zealand hockey legend Hugo Inglis has officially announced his retirement, drawing an end to an impressive international career that spanned nearly 15 years.
Debuting in 2009, Inglis earned 266 caps for New Zealand, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most formidable attackers. Known for his exceptional game intelligence, skill, and tireless work ethic, Inglis epitomized the famous saying, “A good hockey player plays where the ball is. A great hockey player plays where the ball is going.” This approach was evident in his play, as he consistently outmanoeuvred opponents and delivered decisive performances.
Early on, it was obvious that Hugo was destined for greatness on the hockey field. Dave Ross, one of Inglis’s early coaches, recalls Hugo’s competitive nature and impressive skill with admiration.
“From a young age, Hugo was probably one of the most competitive players that I had ever met. He was also one of the most skillful, developing a jink and a drag at a very young age.
His work rate was huge… he would always look like he was half dead from exhaustion on the field but always kept on going!
To me, Hugo was the complete package in sport…he’s fit, aggressive, combative, determined, and extremely skillful. A true world-class player.”
Hugo is a four-time Olympian and four-time Commonwealth Games athlete. He was an integral member of the team that secured a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and contributed to winning silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
Hockey New Zealand CEO Anthony Crummy commended Hugo’s contributions both on and off the field. “Hugo has been an exceptional force both on and off the field. His work ethic, professionalism, and tireless dedication to the team have consistently shined through. His sense of service and giving back is reflected off the turf too with his work with the charity High Impact Athletes, which exists to turn the sporting sector into a force for good.
Hugo has left an indelible mark on not only hockey but also New Zealand sport, and he will be missed by hockey and sports fans across New Zealand and the world.”
Reflecting on his career, Inglis says, “I told the guys after Paris that after spending almost half my life as a Black Stick it was the right time for me to retire. The Olympics and other major events have been awesome but my fondest memories are the lifelong friendships made along the way. There is nothing better than playing for your country alongside some of your best mates and this is what I’ll miss most.
Right now it is feeling a bit like a career of coulda, shoulda, woulda but I’m sure over time I’ll come to be pretty proud of what I achieved in the black shirt.
There are too many people to thank – my partner and family for always being in my corner, Digger for building the foundation, Pete and Shooter who gave me a chance, and many many more.”
Looking to the future, Inglis is excited about now being a Black Sticks fan himself and says he has no doubt that the team’s best days are ahead.
New Zealand
