Published on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 by Gally

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Name: Ian Haley
Age: 28
Test caps: 50

When did you make your debut and how did it feel?

I made my debut in October 2003 vs Malaysia at the Afro-Asian Games. Felt very nervous and wide-eyed but proud and excited to be playing for my country.

 

What have been your most memorable achievements, tournaments, moments thus far?

A hat-trick against Canada in the 2009 Russia 4 Nations final. I happened to be in the right places in our 8-1 drubbing over Canada…great team performance! The 2010 Hockey World Cup in India was very special for me for all its moments and circumstances. 

What does Ian do away from hockey?

I am a PE teacher at Queen’s College in the UK, and am also an assistant house master in the school boarding house.

Do you play overseas? If so, for whom and how has it been?

I play in the England Hockey Premier League for Exeter University HC. I have played in the UK for the past 11 years at various clubs in the England national league, and also for Camberwell HC in Melbourne, Australia. I attended Millfield School UK on a sports scholarship to study A-levels during 2001-2002, and then went on to study an honours degree at Exeter University.

Any interests or hobbies? 

Sport in general. Am now very interested in Aussie rules football from my time in Melbourne. Just taken up adventure racing and trail running when I have time off from hockey. 

Ian Haley scores against Pakistan at the World Cup

What would you say has been your toughest moment to date? 

Falling ill with septacaemia (blood poisoning) and osteitis pubis during 2004. I was hospitalised on a drip for a week and was off sport for 6 months after that. 

Who has been the toughest opposition to play against at international level and why?

Australia. They are very aggressive in the way they play, and are ruthless.

Any nicknames and why were you given them?

Halerbomb…when I scored a top corner goal on our 2007 Chile tour. The Ferret…the way I get around the field in people’s faces.

What is your feel on the South African men’s hockey team’s progression in world hockey?

I think the squad that we currently have has the potential to do something special…It’s just a case of when.

Any superstitions during or after games?

Lots of routines I guess, too many to mention. I just do them without thinking now… Helps me focus.

Advise to youngsters?

Hard work will pay off and your time will come. Get out of your comfort zone and test yourself overseas in the top leagues.