Team GB captain Ames retires from internationals

David Ames captained Team GB at his third Olympics in Paris

Team GB captain David Ames, who played at three Olympics, has announced his retirement from international hockey.

The 35-year-old played at the Rio, Tokyo and Paris Olympics, and in five EuroHockey championships for England.

Ames, who was born in South Africa and raised in Northern Ireland, won the first of 64 Ireland caps in 2008 but made the switch to Team GB and England in 2015.

He finished ninth with GB at the Rio Olympics the following year and helped England to a bronze medal at the EuroHockey championships in 2017.

After a fifth-place finish at the delayed Tokyo Olympics, Ames was named GB and England captain in 2022.

He led England to the EuroHockey final in 2023, where they lost in the decider to the Netherlands.

Ames captained Team GB at the Paris Games but his side exited the competition after a quarter-final defeat by India.

"The time has finally come to say goodbye to international hockey, and I couldn't be more thankful to have lived the dream of playing at this level since 2008," said Ames.

"I've been blessed to have been given the best of everything in our programme and I'll be forever grateful for the support, guidance and help throughout the different stages of my career.

"A special shoutout to all the players past and present. I have been very fortunate to have played with and against the best players in the world.

"I will miss the interactions and enjoyment of spending each day together and a special thanks to the recent group for allowing me the honour to captain and lead the group in the latter stages of my career. That is something I'll cherish forever."