Men’s captain Ames bids farewell to international hockey

After over 15 years in the sport, David Ames has made the decision to retire from representing his country at the top level.

Ames, who has been the England and GB men’s captain since 2022, was first selected for the England squad in 2015 and has over 145 combined caps.

The three-time Olympian made his debut for Team GB in Rio 2016 before being a key part of the squad that finished fifth at the Tokyo 2020 Games. In what is a huge milestone, Ames was selected for his third Olympics and captained the side in Paris in 2024.

Throughout his career, Ames has competed at five EuroHockey championships and secured bronze with the team in 2017 before captaining the England team to a thrilling performance at the 2023 event.

The team came up against the Germany in the semi-final which resulted in a shootout victory that secured them their place in the final.

The England team, captained by Ames, secured their historic silver medal and moved into third place in the world rankings, an achievement not seen in 20 years.

After dedicating his life to the sport, Ames is ready to take the next step in his career: “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 and in particular for the opportunity to enjoy the last 10 years in this programme,” Ames said.

“Without a doubt the most important factor has always been the relationships I’ve been lucky enough to form over many years with teammates, coaches and support staff. 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.

“It would be remiss of me not to mention a few crucial parts that have helped me stay at this level for so long. To UK sport for all they’ve provided to me and our wider GB programme. To all the coaches past and present for allowing me to be a part of the side for so long, to the many support staff and in particular our physios, doctors and psychologists that at times have gone over and beyond to look after and power me through some tricky obstacles throughout my career. To the Intense rehab unit for all their hard work to put me back together at times, and of course to Team GB for allowing me to be a part of the most special moments in our sport.

“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.

“I wish everyone within our men’s programme a huge good luck moving forward and have no doubt that your time at achieving the biggest prizes in our sport is not too far away.”

England and GB Hockey Interim Head Coach Zak Jones said: “David is an outstanding hockey player but more importantly an incredible human being who has brought and given so much to Great Britain and England hockey both on and off the pitch. 

“Throughout his career he set the standard for professionalism and epitomised what it is to have a team first attitude. As a captain, he always led with humility and has the hugely valuable ability to mentor, guide and inspire others, which I am in no doubt will stand him in good stead for the future.

“His attitude and demeanour along with his performances have placed him up there as one of the best and most respected players in the world and he finishes with a record and career he should look back on with immense satisfaction. David leaves a lasting impression on the whole squad and his contribution will be hugely missed by all.

“I know this decision was an incredibly difficult one for him to make but I am a sure in time he will be able to reflect with immense pride on a magnificent career and I wish him all the very best for his next chapter.”