Ralph to step down as England and Great Britain Women's Head Coach 

England and Great Britain Hockey have announced that David Ralph will step down from his role as Head Coach of the England and Great Britain women’s teams after five years in charge. 

Ralph was appointed Head Coach of the England and Great Britain women’s teams in September 2021, having previously held a number of coaching roles within the international programme. 

During his five years as Head Coach, Ralph led England to a historic first Commonwealth Games gold medal at Birmingham 2022, with the team defeating Australia in the final in front of a home crowd. 

He subsequently led Great Britain through the Paris 2024 Olympic cycle, reaching the quarter finals at the Olympic Games, before overseeing the start of the next cycle towards LA 2028. 

Bobby Crutchley, England and Great Britain Hockey Performance Director, said: “We would like to thank David for the enormous commitment, hard work and dedication he has given to the England and Great Britain hockey, both during his five years as Head Coach and across his many years working within the international set-up. 

“David has made a hugely significant contribution and has been involved in many memorable moments, including leading the team to a historic Commonwealth Games gold medal in Birmingham in 2022 and playing a key role as part of the coaching team that helped Great Britain secure bronze at the Tokyo Olympic Games” 

“David felt that this was the right time for a change as the team looks towards the next phase of the programme and the LA 2028 Olympic Games.  

“David leaves with our sincere thanks for everything he has contributed to England and Great Britain Hockey. He is a highly respected coach and person, and we wish him every success for the future.” 

David Ralph said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead the England and Great Britain women’s teams over the past five years. 

“I am incredibly proud of the players and staff I have had the opportunity to work alongside and of what we have experienced together. Winning Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham will always be an incredibly special memory, but there have been so many moments, on and off the pitch, that I will look back on with great pride. 

“After five years as Head Coach, this is the right time for a change for both myself and the programme. I would like to thank all the players, staff, colleagues and supporters who have been part of the journey, and I wish them every success as they continue towards LA 2028.” 

England and Great Britain Hockey will now begin the process of appointing a new Head Coach to lead the women’s programme through the next phase of the LA 2028 Olympic cycle. 

Further details will be announced in due course.