Hockey Wales women’s goalkeeper Rose Thomas has announced her retirement from international hockey.
Following five years in the Welsh junior pathway, Thomas made her senior international debut in 2011 and played for 12 years, achieving 89 caps alongside four GB caps.
Thomas was also been awarded three goalkeeper of the tournament awards during her international career, including most recently at the 2021 World Cup Qualifiers in Pisa.
Having played in six European Championships and two Commonwealth Games, she will continue her exploits in domestic league hockey at Guildford HC
She said: “I am so proud to have represented Wales at a senior level for the last 12 years. I have relished the pressure of playing at the highest level. But most importantly I have loved playing alongside such inspiring, resilient and talented teammates and friends.”
Head of performance Kevin Johnson said: “She set high standards with her absolute drive and commitment to self-improvement and performance and the results of this were always evident on the pitch, especially being recognised by opposition peers and coaches when receiving three Goalkeeper of the tournament awards and it was no surprise to see her enter the Great Britain programme for a spell and it was fantastic to see her capped for them in this time.”
“Her diligence in preparation and performance also played a key part in two memorable shoot-out victories for Wales, one in Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 and more latterly in a crucial semi-final of the World Cup qualifiers in 2021.
“It has been a real pleasure being able to work with Rose at both club and country over the years and I’m so pleased she can look back now with a lot of pride and very few regrets.”
