Munro calls time on international career

Hope Munro has announced her retirement from international hockey to spend more time with her young family.

Munro, who debuted for Australia in 2004 and played 109 games and scored 33 goals for the Hockeyroos, was voted player of the year in 2009, and competed in the 2008 Olympics and the 2006 World Cup.

The decision will see the 29-year-old Queenslander miss this year's World Cup and the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, but Munro said she needs to spend more time with her daughters, Ella and Olivia, who are seven and four respectively.

"It was an extremely difficult decision to make, but I know in my heart this is the right path for me at this point in time," Munro said.

"I have been very fortunate in my hockey career to have the love and support of my family and close friends.

"In particular, my then husband Chris Munro, for without his unwavering support none of my international career would have been possible."

Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray thanked Munro for her contribution to the team, saying her skill and experience will be sorely missed from the team as they prepare for a big year ahead.

"At the end of it all she has worked very hard to date to balance everything in her life and we are losing a very good hockey player," Murray said.

"It is disappointing that we wont have her available but that means that others will need to step up.

"She has made an extremely valuable contribution and I certainly appreciate what she has done while playing for the Hockeyroos."