Ross (32) earned 43 caps for the Black Sticks, scoring four goals, after making his debut against Malaysia in 2013.
He was a driving force behind the midfield unit that helped win silver at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2016, as well as playing at the Tokyo Olympics and competing at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
After taking a year off after the Olympics in anticipation of the birth of his son, Ross rejoined the side for the 2022 World Cup before deciding to call it quits at the top level.
"It was a concentrated campaign for me and one I really enjoyed but it was full on balancing training, work and family.
"I love playing for New Zealand, but I also have high expectations of myself and that demands a level of training that perhaps no longer sits at the top of my list."
Ross also tasted an immense high at domestic level when he captained Otago to a breakthrough win in the national championship at home last year.
Although international hockey is no longer on the agenda, he will still be suiting up at club level, but he remains coy around helping Otago defend its historic title.
"It’s good fun playing with your mates on a Saturday and I do still love the game, so I wouldn’t give that away.
"I’m not sure what the end of the season will bring yet, but it took us so long to get that shield it would be a shame to give it back."
Ross said he wanted to enjoy time with his young family, get a few more rounds of golf under the belt and not have to check the training schedule to see when he could book a holiday.
Hockey New Zealand high-performance general manager Darren Smith, who coached Ross for several years in the Black Sticks, was effusive in his praise of the Otago man.
"Rossy was a key figure in my teams throughout the time I was leading the Black Sticks. An absolute pleasure to coach. He’s a very skilful, committed and competitive athlete.
"He can look back and be immensely proud, not just for the hockey but for the way he balanced it with a career away from the game, neither at the detriment to the other.
"One of the parts I enjoyed the most in recent times was watching him lead Otago to Challenge Shield glory last year and the mana he had within that team — a real testament to the type of person he is."
By: Staff reporter
