South Africa women’s hockey duo hang up their sticks
Two more giants of the South African women’s hockey scene have announced their retirement, signing off on a high after representing Team SA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
South African women’s hockey co-captain and double Olympian Erin Christie, along with dynamic striker Tarryn Lombard, have decided to step back from the international stage.
They join Dirkie Chamberlain in calling the final chapter of their remarkable careers to an end.
Christie was an undoubted leader on and off the field, with a quirky personality that often saw her joining the Gwijo Squad or leading the war cries.
She always made time for the fans, the media, and the entire hockey community, regularly speaking at schools with an infectious positivity.
Having already represented South Africa at the Junior World Cup in Germany in 2013, she made her international debut the following January against the Netherlands in the Summer Series.
She scored her first goal in 2015 during a 6-0 win over Chile.
Her first major tournament was the FIH World League Semi-Final in Spain, quickly followed by the African Cup of Nations, the Commonwealth Games, and the FIH Hockey World Cup in 2018. After Covid-19 initially dashed her Olympic hopes, Christie earned her place at the Tokyo Games.
She added a second World Cup and a second Commonwealth Games in 2022. She reached her 100-cap milestone against France before heading to Paris for her second Olympic Games.
Uncanny ability
Lombard brought energy, pace, and an uncanny ability to find the back of the net throughout her international career.
She made her debut in 2016 against Scotland, announcing herself as a talent by scoring in just her second game.
A key figure in South Africa’s attacking line-up, she earned 91 caps and scored 35 goals.
She represented South Africa at Tokyo 2020.
Lombard also competed in the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games, cementing her reputation as a high-energy, pacy striker with a keen eye for goal.
Message from SA Hockey
SA Hockey’s Interim CEO, Shaune Baaitjies, said: “Both Erin and Tarryn have been incredible ambassadors for South African hockey. Erin’s leadership, passion, and relentless commitment to the game have been an inspiration to everyone who has watched her play. Tarryn’s flair and eye for goal made her a constant threat to the opposition and a joy to watch.
Their contributions to the game, on and off the field, will leave a lasting legacy. We thank them both for their incredible service and wish them all the best as they move into the next chapters of their lives. They will always be part of the SA Hockey family.”
The South African website wishes all three superstars the very best in their retirement.
