Hockey New Zealand: Canterbury midfielder Rachel Robertson and Waikato defender Clarissa Eshuis have been called in to the women’s New Zealand Black Sticks team which leaves this weekend to travel to the Rabobank Hockey Champions Challenge in Virginia Beach, USA.
Eshuis, who debuted for the Black Sticks in May against the USA, replaces experienced Tauranga defender and vice-captain Diana Weavers who is struggling with a hip injury.
Robertson, an experienced Athens Olympian with 40 caps, comes in for Manawatu striker Moira Senior (112 caps), whose comeback to international hockey has unfortunately been delayed by a shin injury. Robertson has been taking a break from hockey due to work commitments. She last played for New Zealand at the Champions Trophy last November.
The Champions Challenge Tournament begins on July 8, in Virginia Beach, USA. Participating teams are England, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and USA.
The Black Sticks team: Stacey Carr, Honor Dillon, Jo Galletly, Frances Kreft, Jane Maley, Emily Naylor, Meredith Orr, Rachel Robertson, Lizzie Ryan (Canterbury); Sheree Phillips, Kayla Sharland, Anita Wawatai (Manawatu); Lizzy Igasan, Jaimee Provan (North Harbour); Clarissa Eshuis (Waikato), Beth Jurgeleit, Suzie Muirhead, Niniwa Roberts-Lang (Wellington).
