Wales captain Sian French has announced her decision to retire after a 15-year international career as she leaves behind a “strong and powerful legacy”.
French won 130 caps over 12 years and represented Wales at three Commonwealth Games, six EuroHockey Championships, alongside her physiotherapy work.
French’s career with Hockey Wales started in 2008 before making her senior debut for Wales at the 2011 Celtic Cup.
Standout memories and competitions for Sian include her experience captaining the team at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games as well as featuring in an impressive six European championships. International experience also included two seasons as a member of the Great Britain Elite Development Squad.
She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my playing career and involvement with Hockey Wales and the decision for me to step away has not been an easy one. I feel the time is right for me personally and look forward to the opportunity for new challenges. I have been lucky enough to compete at World and European level representing my country, as well as leading the squad in more recent years. I will forever cherish the memories and experiences this has given me.
Senior women’s head coach Kevin Johnson said: “Although it is a shame to see Sian step away from International Hockey at this time, she leaves behind her a strong and powerful legacy of both performance and leadership which will continue to resonate with this group long after her departure and that should speak volumes about her contribution to Wales women.
“Her consistency of technical and tactical execution as a player brought a calmness and assuredness in our midfield and in recent years she has demonstrated these qualities and more in her leadership duties as both a captain and vice-captain. Personally, she has been a tower of support to me as a head coach when it has been necessary and for this I will remain extremely grateful.”
