Hockey New Zealand has announced the appointment of Shane McLeod as Assistant Coach of the Black Sticks men's team.

McLeod has just returned to New Zealand after time in Europe coaching the Belgian Women's National side as well as a Belgian club side.

He played 14 games for New Zealand in 1995 and 1996 and is a former North Harbour representative.

National Coach Kevin Towns said McLeod would bring valuable European hockey experience to the Black Sticks.

ÔÇ£He also offers a lot on the attacking side of the game as a former inside forward,ÔÇØ he says. ÔÇ£Shane will be responsible for our penalty corners and our attacking structures.ÔÇØ