Wales senior men and women learn opponents as groups announced for EuroChamps27

The group line-ups for EuroChamps27 have been confirmed following the conclusion of the FIH World Cup in Amstelveen and Wavre and confirmation of the latest world rankings.

Our senior men and women now know who they'll face at Lee Valley next summer.

Wales senior women, who are ranked 24th in the FIH world rankings, have been placed in Pool C alongside fellow home nation Scotland, ranked 14th, and Ukraine, 28th in the world.

After placing 15th at this summer's Hockey World Cup, Wales senior men can look forward to another exciting challenge in major competition after being placed in Pool D. Ranked 18th in the FIH rankings, Wales also face Scotland, ranked 14th in the world, as well as Italy, who are 26th in the rankings.

Elsewhere, there are plenty of exciting battles that will unfold.

Germany’s men will head up Pool A where they will meet Spain in a repeat of the World Cup final with hosts England completing the group.

Pool B has Pro League champions Belgium up against the Netherlands and France whose performances in August saw them overtake Ireland into Europe’s top six.

That leap is significant as all of the sides in Pool A and B are guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals.

Ireland, meanwhile, will battle it out in Pool C with Poland and Austria with only the winner of this three-team group advancing to the quarters. The scenario is the same for Wales and their opponents in Pool D.

On the women’s side, reigning European champions the Netherlands are grouped in Pool A with world number six Germany and seventh ranked England.

Belgium will be looking to build on their World Cup bronze; their Pool B challenge pits them against Spain and Ireland.

In Pool C, where our senior women face Scotland and Ukraine, a quarter-final spot is on the line for the group winner.

France are the highest ranked nation in Pool D where they will play Italy and Austria who are making their first appearance at this level since 1991.

The full match schedule is currently being prepared and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Men (world ranking in brackets)

• Pool A: Germany (1), Spain (6), England (7)

• Pool B: Belgium (2), Netherlands (5), France (10)

• Pool C: Ireland (11), Poland (21), Austria (22)

• Pool D: Scotland (14), Wales (18), Italy (26)

Women (world ranking in brackets)

• Pool A: Netherlands (1), Germany (6), England (7)

• Pool B: Belgium (3), Spain (5), Ireland (13)

• Pool C: Scotland (14), Wales (24), Ukraine (28)

• Pool D: France (16), Italy (19), Austria (31)