22 May 2017

Black Sticks name side for World League Semi Final

6:16 pm on 22 May 2017

Black Sticks coach Mark Hager says he's named his strongest team to compete at the World League Semi Final in Belgium next month.

Stacey Michelsen

Stacey Michelsen Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Experienced Stacey Michelsen who has 224 caps will lead the side, ten of the players have played more than 100 tests

Hager said most players earned their spot in the team after an impressing during February's Argentina tour, the Hawke's Bay Cup and the Indian series in Hamilton and Pukekohe.

"This is the strongest team we have at present after tests against Argentina, the Hawke's Bay Cup and also the Indian series this year.

"There were some very challenging decisions in selecting the final group which shows we have healthy depth at the moment which is great following an Olympic year," Hager said.

The side will play in Pool B alongside Belgium, Australia, Spain and Malaysia between June 21st and July 2nd.

Black Sticks team:

Sam CHARLTON, Natasha FITZSIMONS, Erin GOAD, Jordan GRANT, Ella GUNSON, Sam HARRISON, Pippa HAYWARD, Rose KEDDELL, Rachel McCANN, Olivia MERRY, Stacey MICHELSEN, Brooke NEAL, Grace O'HANLON, Kirsten PEARCE, Amy ROBINSON, Sally RUTHERFORD, Kelsey SMITH, Liz THOMPSON, Frances DAVIES.

-RNZ