Ric Charlesworth to step down as Aussie coach ahead of Commonwealth Games

Ric Charlesworth, who has coached Australia since 2009, was expected to relinquish his position after next month’s Commonwealth Games, but has decided to end his career ahead of the Glasgow tournament. Australia won the men’s gold medal at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010. File photo

Four-time World Cup-winning field hockey coach Ric Charlesworth will step down from the Australian men’s team earlier than expected.

Charlesworth, who has coached Australia since 2009, was expected to relinquish his position after next month’s Commonwealth Games, but has decided to end his career ahead of the Glasgow tournament. Australia won the men’s gold medal at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010.

The Kookaburras beat the Netherlands 5—1 last weekend to win the World Cup for the fourth time under Charlesworth, who said that result “is the best full stop I could wish for in my coaching career. I believe it would be indulgent for me to go to the Commonwealth Games.”