After an unbelievable profession spanning over 15 years, three Olympic Video games, three Commonwealth Video games and three World Cups, Vantage Black Sticks Males’s defender and former captain Blair Tarrant has introduced his retirement from worldwide hockey.
Hailing from Otago, Blair’s journey started on the turfs of Dunedin, the place his ardour for hockey shortly grew right into a lifelong pursuit. His rise by the ranks was swift, representing the Junior Black Sticks on the 2009 Junior World Cup earlier than making his senior debut for New Zealand in 2010 towards Germany in Nottingham. Later that very same yr, he helped the Vantage Black Sticks safe a bronze medal on the Delhi Commonwealth Video games, marking the beginning of considered one of New Zealand hockey’s most exceptional worldwide careers.
Over the subsequent decade and a half, Tarrant turned a mainstay of the Vantage Black Sticks defence. Recognized for his calm composure, management, and skill to learn the sport, he represented New Zealand with distinction throughout each main worldwide event. His profession whole of 272 worldwide caps and 10 targets stands as a testomony to his sturdiness, consistency, and unwavering dedication to the fern.
Blair featured on the 2014, 2018, and 2023 Hockey World Cups, and proudly represented New Zealand on the 2016 Rio, 2021 Tokyo, and 2024 Paris Olympic Video games. He additionally competed on the 2010, 2014, and 2022 Commonwealth Video games, main the crew in a number of campaigns and provoking these round him. From 2017 to 2022, he captained the Vantage Black Sticks Males, guiding the group by transition and problem with regular perception and quiet willpower.
Off the worldwide stage, Tarrant’s hockey journey took him across the globe. Whereas spending most of his home profession with Howick Pakuranga Hockey Membership, he additionally represented HC Rotterdam within the Netherlands, Hamburger Polo Membership in Germany, and extra lately contributed to the Alpiners. His time overseas showcased not solely his expertise but additionally the respect he earned internationally for his professionalism and character.
Reflecting on his journey, Blair mentioned:
“I’ve been extremely fortunate to reside out a dream. To signify New Zealand and play the sport I really like for thus lengthy. None of it might have been attainable with out my mother and father, accomplice, household, mates, and the wonderful coaches and managers who’ve supported me alongside the way in which. A particular thanks to Dave Ross, who had an enormous affect on my improvement bas a hockey participant.”
Tarrant additionally acknowledged the long-standing assist of his sponsors, Kookaburra and Temuka Transport, alongside your entire hockey group all through New Zealand.
Vantage Black Sticks Males’s Assistant Coach and former teammate Shea McAleese, who shared the sphere with Blair for a decade earlier than teaching him on the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games, mirrored on his legacy:
“I used to be fortunate sufficient to share ten years on the sphere with Taz after which have the privilege of teaching him to Paris 2024. I’ve by no means met anybody extra decided to enhance each single day. He wore the Black Shirt with immense delight, and all the pieces he did epitomised what it means to be a New Zealand nice, many others would observe into battle.
Taz can grasp his stick up understanding he went out on a excessive. His 2024 marketing campaign was phenomenal, and he was persistently top-of-the-line gamers for New Zealand, and on the planet. He’ll go down as one of many best ever to put on the fern.”
Head Coach, Greg Nicol, additionally mirrored on Tarrant’s profession:
“A extremely revered Black Stick who gave all the pieces each time he wore the fern. Congratulations on a implausible profession that Taz needs to be very happy with. A real Black Stick by and thru.”
From a younger child with huge goals in Otago to captaining his nation on the world’s largest stage, Blair Tarrant’s story is considered one of ardour, perseverance, and delight. His legacy will probably be felt for years to return, each throughout the Black Sticks atmosphere and throughout the broader hockey group.
