FINN WARD SET TO MAKE HIS INTERNATIONAL RETURN AT THE MEN'S FIH NATIONS CUP

The Vantage Black Sticks Men's midfielder Finn Ward suffered a broken patella and fractured tibia after being struck directly on the knee during a match against India at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia last November. An injury that required immediate surgery and months of rehabilitation.

Now, just over six months later, Ward has been named in New Zealand's squad for the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Cape Town, marking his return to international hockey after one of the toughest periods of his career.

"When the injury happened, I was obviously devastated," Ward said.

"After speaking with the medical team, I followed the advice to have surgery as it gave me the best chance of making a full recovery and getting back to playing at the level I wanted to."

Ward underwent two surgeries during his recovery. The first repaired the damage using screws and wire, while a second procedure was later required to remove the wire. The screws remain in place.

Fortunately, the injury occurred during the school holidays, allowing Ward time away from his role as a primary school teacher at West Park School in Johnsonville. He returned home to Otago for much of the early stages of his rehabilitation, surrounded by family and close friends.

What followed was a 16-week recovery process that tested both his physical and mental resilience.

Fortunately for Ward, there were no major setbacks along the way, but the day-to-day commitment required to return to elite sport proved just as challenging as the injury itself.

"The small things all added up," he said.

"Each day became about finding those little improvements and making sure I was doing everything I could to move forward."

Recovery also forced Ward to confront difficult questions.

"You have those uncomfortable conversations with yourself. Do I get up and work for that one percent improvement today, or do I stay in bed and feel sorry for myself?"

"At the end of the day, you have to make that decision every day."

One of the biggest lessons he learned throughout the process was accepting help from others.

"Accepting help was something I had to come to terms with. When you're injured, you realise pretty quickly that you can't do everything on your own."

"Having people around you who genuinely care and support you makes the recovery process feel a lot easier to get through, especially on the tough days."

After months of rehabilitation, training and rebuilding confidence in his body, Ward's reward has come in the form of selection for the Nations Cup, where the Vantage Black Sticks will look to defend the titles they won in 2024 and 2025.

For Ward, the opportunity means far more than simply pulling on the black shirt again.

"Returning from injury is never a given. Hockey is a demanding sport both physically and mentally, so to have the opportunity to be selected again and represent New Zealand is special.

"I'm excited to be back with the group and looking forward to the challenge of chasing another Nations Cup title."

Ward and the Vantage Black Sticks Men will travel to Cape Town later this month as they prepare to launch their Nations Cup campaign and continue their build-up towards the FIH Hockey World Cup in August.