Hoci Cymru Announce Senior Women’s Squad for FIH Nations Cup 2

Hoci Cymru are delighted to announce the 18 players selected to travel to Walcz, Poland for the first-ever edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2 between the 16th and 22nd June.

Tilly Edwards and Rachel Goodwin have been named as the non-travelling reserves.

There will be four potential debuts across the week with Lottie Atkinson, Ffion Horrell, Katie Partridge, Beth Peers all in line to secure their first senior international caps.

Beth Bingham will continue to captain the side, supported by vice-captains Izzie Howell and Sarah Jones, who makes her return to Wales in her first capped match since the squad won the bronze medal at the 2023 European Championships.

Head coach Kevin Johnson will celebrate his 100th official test or tournament match in charge of the national side when they face the Czech Republic on the 17th June.

The tournament will see Wales face Italy, Czech Republic, France, Malaysia, Poland, South Africa and Uruguay In a bid to secure promotion to next year’s Nations Cup.

Captain Beth Bingham said:

“I’m really looking forward to playing in our first Nations Cup in Poland. It’s a great opportunity to test ourselves against strong opposition and build momentum ahead of the Euros later this summer. It's also exciting to see four players earning their first caps at this tournament - a fantastic opportunity for them!”

Head coach Kevin Johnson spoke on the selection:

“We are really looking forward to going to a new tournament for us and unique as it’s not often we get to play just the Nations ranked closely around us in the world. All the teams present are no strangers to us in recent years, even South Africa, Uruguay and Malaysia who we have managed to play in series across the last 3 years.

This selection reflects yet more player transition and congratulations to the 4 players set to earn their 1st caps for the Senior squad but the returning Sarah Jones will provide invaluable experience. It is an exciting group of players with much potential and we will be endeavouring to find a consistent level to our performances as we progress towards a European Championships later in the summer.”

All matches will be available to stream via watch.hockey.tv, with short highlights accessible on the FIH YouTube channel.

Wales’ Match Schedule:

·       Monday, 16th June – Wales vs Italy (11:00)

·       Tuesday, 17th June – Czech Republic vs Wales (11:00)

·      Thursday, 19th June –Wales vs France (13:00)

·      Saturday, 21st June – Finals / 5th–8th place playoffs

(timings and opponents TBC)

·       Sunday, 22nd June – Finals / 5th–8th place playoffs

(timings and opponents TBC)