Wales women senior squad member Natasha Fortnam has announced she will be stepping away from international hockey after representing Wales for 10 years.
Natasha made her senior debut for Wales in 2012, then as Natasha Marke-Jones, at the Champions Challenge tournament in Dublin, where she also scored her first international goal against the USA.
Going on to achieve 95 appearances for Wales, Natasha played in major tournaments around the world, including four Euro Hockey Championships, three World League tournaments, and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.
A determined midfielder, Natasha scored the winning goal in Wales’ historic 3-2 win over India at the Games, a moment that would go down as her career highlight.
In 2021, Natasha married fellow Welsh hockey international James Fortman, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Talking about her decision to retire, Natasha said "After ten years in a Wales shirt the time is right for me to move away from international hockey.
“Representing your country is a huge honour. I have made very special memories along this journey, and I am incredibly lucky to have met so many inspirational individuals, role models and friends for life. Hockey has given me so much and it's made me the person I am today.
“I would like to give a special thank you to my parents and husband James for their unwavering support, without them I would not be where I am today. I wish the girls every success in the future."
Reflecting on Natasha's time with Hockey Wales, Head Coach Kevin Johnson said “I’d like to personally thank Tash for making a sizeable contribution to the Senior Women’s programme on and off the pitch over the last 10 years.
“She’s been involved in many memorable experiences with the group - I’m sure she will be most fondly remembered by many for scoring ‘that’ late winning goal against India in the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
“In many ways that goal epitomised Tash as a player. She has always been incredibly passionate and competitive when playing for Wales and, regardless of the level of opponent or challenge, has always been prepared to meet them head on and go toe to toe in the contest.
“She will be sorely missed by players and staff. We all wish her and her family well in her future endeavours. Good luck Tash and thank you from all of us!”