Pinner announces retirement from International Hockey 

Commonwealth and European medallist, Jo Pinner, has announced her decision to retire from international hockey. 

Pinner made her international debut for England against South Africa during the 2013 Investec Cup and would go on to make 47 appearances in an England shirt over her career. 

Pinner made her first appearance in a major international tournament during the 2017 EuroHockey Championships and guided England to a bronze medal. Pinner played in all five matches during the tournament and scored one of her six career international goals in an important 2-0 victory over Scotland to reach the semi-finals. 

The 34-year-old went on to compete in two more EuroHockey Championships (2019 and 2021) and played in all of England’s 15 games across the three tournaments. 

Pinner also played an instrumental role during England’s 2018 Commonwealth Games Bronze medal-winning campaign at the Gold Coast, playing in all six matches. 

After impressing for England, Pinner made her GB debut in a test match against Argentina in 2018 and would go on to make 32 caps overall for GB. 

Pinner played in four campaigns of the FIH Hockey Pro League for England and GB since its inaugural season in 2019 and recently made her final two international appearances during the 2024/25 season in India after returning to the international stage for the first time since having a baby in 2023 with her husband George Pinner, who made 195 international appearances as GB and England’s goalkeeper. 

Pinner still plays hockey at club level and recently helped guide Reading to the 2024/25 English Hockey League title, their first since 2013. 

On her retirement, Pinner said: “Now feels like the right time to make way for the next generation of players, as I look forward to spending more time with my family and enjoying all the moments ahead as I watch my 2-year-old grow up. It’s a rare privilege to step away from international sport on your own terms - content, surrounded by your teammates - and I feel incredibly lucky to have done just that earlier this year. 

“The past 12 years have been the most challenging of my life, but also the most rewarding. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent England and Great Britain on so many occasions, and I’ve always strived to give my all. I owe immense thanks to the staff and my teammates, who pushed me, supported me, and created memories with me that will last a lifetime. 

“Career highlights include medalling at the 2017 European Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games, competing at the 2018 home World Cup, and playing my first capped game as a mother earlier this year - more than three years after being out of the international game. But without a doubt, the most special moments have been those shared with my family - playing in front of them, leaning on them through the highs and lows. None of this would have been possible without their unwavering support. My successes belong to them as much as they do to me. 

“I’m grateful to every coach and manager who has been part of my journey over the years - their guidance, belief, and commitment have shaped me both on and off the pitch. Every journey starts somewhere, and I will always be especially thankful to Trevor Chandler, who first introduced me to hockey and coached me at Aylesbury Hockey Club. I now understand just how much of his time he gave to ignite a passion in kids like me. Little did we know that the 8-year old he coached would one day compete on the world stage.” 

England and GB Hockey Performance Director, Bobby Crutchley said: “Jo has been an outstanding and dedicated member of our squad for more than a decade, playing a key role in the team's success over the years. Her positive outlook and work ethic were inspiring to everyone around her.

“She was part of our medal winning teams at the 2017 Eurohockey Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games and she was the first member of our squad who became a mother. It was inspiring to see her return to full training and proudly represent England in India this spring, marking her first international appearance since the birth of her son. 

“We are incredibly proud to have been a part of Jo’s journey. On behalf of everyone, I want to wish her every success in the next chapter, and we look forward to seeing all that she goes on to achieve.”