Holcombe Hockey Club have confirmed the arrival of New Zealand international Hope Ralph as Nick Bandurak’s fourth summer signing ahead of a return to the Premier Division for Holcs.

Ralph, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, joins Holcombe from Dutch Hoofdklasse side Oranje Rood, having also played for Central in the Ford National Hockey League in New Zealand.

The 23-year-old forward has scored eight goals in 52 senior caps for the Black Sticks, with five goals in seven caps at under-21 level.

She follows the additions of Mads Newitt and two international teammates in Kaitlin Cotter and Olivia Shannon. 

On signing, Ralph said: “I am really excited to be a part of the team and help contribute to the team’s success.

“It’s also really special getting the opportunity to play alongside my best friends Kaitlin [Cotter] and Olivia [Shannon] for an amazing club.”

Head Coach Bandurak added: “Hope is a fantastic forward and I’m thrilled she’ll be joining the group ahead of an exciting season.

“Her experience at the top of the international game and well-known connection with Kaitlin and Olivia will bring an exciting dimension to our attacking play and I’m really looking forward to working with her in the coming months.”