WATER POLO: London Olympic Bronze medallist Jane Moran has retired from international competition following 168 tests for the Aussie Stingers and 10 years at the top of the sport.

The decision comes following a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to a shoulder reconstruction, with her rehabilitation disrupted with a serious case of Staphylococcus that kept her out of the water for a further three months.

Originally hailing from Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales, Moran later moved to the Brisbane suburb of Ashgrove, where her water polo career began to flourish in high school.

In her time with the Stingers, Moran enjoyed significant success, winning silver medals at the FINA World Cup in 2010, FINA World League in 2010 and 2012, as well as a suite of bronze medals from the 2009 and 2011 World League and the 2012 London Games.

Aussie Stingers coach Greg McFadden said it was a big loss to the team to see Moran call time on her career.

“Jane has been part of the Stingers since I became coach in 2005 and it is very sad to see her depart,” McFadden said.

“During her time on the team there have been equally tough and great moments. While Jane was not the most gifted player physically or technically, she proved to everyone how tough she was.

“She was a player you wanted on the team and who could rise to the challenges thrown at her.”

During her career Moran was also the recipient of a scholarship with the ‘Layne Beachley Aim For The Stars Foundation’, to assist her pursuit for a place on the 2012 London Olympics team, after missing out on Beijing in 2008.  

“Leading into 2008 Jane tragically lost her father to cancer and unfortunately also missed selection for the 2008 team,” McFadden said.

“However, Jane possesses great determination and vowed to be on the team in London, and I was proud to see her make the team and then play a significant role in winning the Olympic bronze.”

McFadden further praised Moran for her role in developing the Aussie Stingers into the successful team that it is today.

“Jane always displayed the true Stingers attitude of never giving in, and has always pushed her teammates to the limit with her competitive drive,” he said.

“This side of her helped to create the Stingers culture, and it pains me to see not only a wonderful player but a very special person departing the Stingers.

“All the staff and especially myself, wish Jane all the best in her future endeavours and I am sure she will be as successful as she was in water polo.

“My thanks goes to Jane for her wonderful career with the Stingers and helping the team to become one of the best in the world.”

While Moran will no longer be a member of the Stingers, she will continue to play elite level water polo in Australia, with a move to Sydney to join the UTS Balmain Tigers for the 2015 National Water Polo League Season.

Water Polo Australia