Colin Batch to ditch Black Sticks to coach Australia

Colin Batch is a former Australian hockey player and has coached the Black Sticks since 2013 (Getty image)
Colin Batch is a former Australian hockey player and has coached the Black Sticks since 2013 (Getty image)

Colin Batch has quit his role as Men's Black Sticks coach, Hockey New Zealand announced Tuesday afternoon.

The announcement comes after former Wellington Phoenix coach and good friend Ernie Merrick let the cat out of the bag earlier in the day at his final Phoenix press conference.

"It’s coincidental isn't it that two or three of these positions change," said a relaxed looking Merrick.

"I got a text from a friend of mine Colin Batch who is the Black Sticks national coach… And he's resigned as well."

While Hockey New Zealand didn't confirm where Batch would be heading, Merrick filled the gaps, proving to be the gift that kept on giving.

"He's taking over the Australian team I believe.

"Maybe I've spoken out of tongue. Was that common knowledge? Maybe he hasn't resigned yet."

Hockey New Zealand said that the reason for Batch's resignation was so he could return home to Australia.

“We know this decision hasn’t been an easy one for Colin, and that having been away from his family in Australia for eight years has been the main reason for returning back home," High Performance Director Terry Evans said.

An announcement of the appointment is expected from Hockey Australia at 7pm (NZ time).

The move makes sense with the Kookaburras currently having an interim head coach after Graham Reid stepped down from the role after the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Batch, who was born in Melbourne, is also a former Australian hockey representative

Meanwhile, Women's Black Sticks coach Mark Hager has signed a contract extension with New Zealand Hockey which will see him through until the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Newshub.