NIGEL BUTTIMER has announced his retirement from international hockey at the age of 28.

Ireland women’s coach Riet Kuper has omitted three experienced internationals from her training squad, which travels to Spain next month, in order to give younger players a chance.

Ireland 4 France2

Ireland women’s preparations for the European Nations Cup in September continue this week with a training camp and two Test matches in Holland.

Ireland’s women have named the pool of players who will contest selection for September’s European Nations Cup in Barcelona.

Ireland women’s coach Riet Kuper has handed first call-ups to five players for a three-day Easter training camp.

MUNSTER ladies will be attempting to end an eight-year wait when the senior hockey inter-provincial tournament is staged at Harlequin Park, Cork, this weekend.