Hard, but not over the top

That's how women's Black Sticks captain Stacey Michelsen describes outgoing coach Mark Hager's style as the latter cuts ties with the side.

Hager has resigned to take up the head coaching role of the Great Britain and England sides.

It comes in the middle of a review into an alleged negative environment created by Hager.

But Michelsen says Hager did a great job in a tricky environment.

She says they all want to win but also have to maintain their professional lives outside of the sport, so it's stressful and Hager has coached the team respectfully.