Anita McLaren retires from international hockey

The New Zealand women's hockey player Anita McLaren has announced her retirement from the international game.

Black Stick Anita McLaren. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

31 year old McLaren made her debut for the Black Sticks in 2009 and ended her career with a Commonwealth Games gold medal earlier this year.

McLaren is New Zealand's highest women's goal scorer with 105 goals from her 271 appearances.

McLaren took time off from the sport after the 2016 Rio Olympics, but returned in the teams run up to the Commonwealth Games in April.

View this post on Instagram

I'd like to take this time to announce my retirement from international hockey. I would like to thank everybody for all the support and encouragement throughout my career you have all given me so many memories I will cherish forever. Thank you x

A post shared by Anita McLaren (Punt) (@anitapunt32) on Oct 16, 2018 at 10:48pm PDT

Meanwhile the New Zealand men's hockey team has beaten Canada 3-0 in Warkworth.

All 3 goals came in the second half.

The second of four tests is also at Warkworth tonight with the next two in Pakuranga over the weekend.

The Black Sticks are preparing for next month's World Cup in India.