Phil Burrows, veteran striker and hockey legend, announces surprise return to international hockey

In a wild turn of events, New Zealand's most capped Black Sticks player of all time, Phil Burrows, has announced that he is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Vantage Black Sticks Men again. The news comes eight years after Burrows hung up his stick, having an incredible career that spanned 16 years and included 343 tests, three Olympic Games, four Commonwealth Games, and four World Cups. 

Burrows, who retired as not only New Zealand's most capped Black Stick but also NZ’s most prolific goal scorer with 150 goals, revealed that his recent coaching success with the Black Sticks Women at the Nations Cup in Chile reignited his passion for the game. 

"I wasn't really thinking about it, but winning the Nations Cup with the ladies in Chile was such an inspiring experience. It made me realize that there's still some unfinished business in my own playing career," Burrows said. "Being involved in the game as a coach has been amazing, but I miss the rush of competing on the field. The group of lads in the current squad are an exciting bunch of players and the thought of being part of that camaraderie again is too good to turn down. I feel like I still have a lot to offer the team and I’m in a good position to do that." 

The announcement has shocked many but there’s a lot of excitement about the return of the hockey legend. Vantage Black Sticks Men’s Coach Greg Nicol commented,  “The Squad are very excited and will no doubt benefit from having that level of experience in the team. It’s going to be a huge boost for them”.  

Burrows added, "When Greg sent me some videos from their latest camp while I was over in Chile, I saw the guys training and I felt this undeniable pull to be out there with them. I know it might sound crazy to some, but I believe I still have what it takes to compete at the highest level.” 

Burrows' is heading over to Germany for the next men’s camp taking place in Hamburg mid this month. The hockey world will undoubtedly be watching closely as he makes this highly anticipated return and comeback.  

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April Fools! Phil Burrows is not actually returning to international hockey, but we couldn't resist having a little fun for the day.  Here’s a little something on us for making it through the article 😉 - 15% off all of the latest Black Sticks merch (discount is applied at the checkout)

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