Paul departs England Hockey for role in South Africa

Jody Paul will be leaving England Hockey and his role with the senior women’s squad in mid-April after taking a new role at Hilton College in South Africa.

Paul has had an incredible 20-year-career at England Hockey, having coached at all levels of the sport, from Age Group to the senior programme.

Since January 2022, Paul has been involved with the senior programme and was part of the coaching set up for the women’s squad’s historic gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Paul also held the roles of head coach of the England U18 boys' team and the GB Women's Elite Development Programme (EDP), while also assisting the England U21 men's squad.

He was also assistant coach for the senior men’s EuroHockey bronze triumph in 2017 and for Great Britain’s women’s 2018 Champions Trophy tournament.

The women’s squad secured qualification for the World Cup at the World Cup Qualifying tournament in India with an impressive performance of five wins from five and Paul leaves his role having been an integral part of the success.

Jon Bleby will be joining the coaching team on an interim basis until a full-time replacement is appointed.

On his new role, Paul said: “After 20 incredible years in the United Kingdom, the time has come for me and my family to return home to South Africa.

“I have been privileged to spend the last four years as an assistant coach with the England and GB Hockey Women's programme, and prior to that I had the honour of working across a decade within the national age group structures, coaching both men's and women's players at Under-16, Under-18, and Under-21 level.

“Words cannot fully express my gratitude to England and GB Hockey for the opportunities I have been given — the people within this organisation have shaped me profoundly, both as a coach and as a person, and I will forever be indebted to them for their belief in me.

“We leave carrying countless fond memories and deep appreciation for everything this country has given us. I am excited to embrace the next chapter, joining Hilton College in South Africa, a wonderful opportunity that feels right for me and my family at this stage of our lives. To the players and staff across both the Men's and Women's programmes — thank you, and I wish you every success in the years ahead.”

England and GB Hockey Performance Director, Bobby Crutchley, said: “We congratulate Jody on his new opportunity and wish him and his family every success and happiness for the future as he returns to South Africa.

“He has been a fantastic member of our coaching team for the past two decades, and his contribution to hockey in England and Great Britain has been truly invaluable. He will be greatly missed by everyone involved.

“We are pleased that Jon will be joining the team on an interim basis, bringing with him a wealth of experience, while we begin the process of recruiting a full-time assistant coach. I’m confident Jon will integrate seamlessly with the group and provide excellent coaching support to the team.”