The Wales senior men’s hockey squad has a tough international programme ahead in the summer culminating in the European Trophy in Rome this September.
Back to back games against England on the new ATP complex at Swansea on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 June kick things off. The squad to play against England will be announced after the Training Camp on 17 - 19 June when 16 will be selected from the 28 players competing for places.
These are followed by tests against Belgium, Ireland, France, Poland and Scotland before heading off to Italy for the five-match tournament. Success in Rome would lead to qualification for the World Cup qualifier in China in 2006.
The Welsh side, ranked 13th in Europe, is a fast improving, athletic squad with a blend of experience and youth. Paul Edwards (Cannock HC) is closing in on the record for senior men’s caps and former skipper Zak Jones (Hampstead and Westminster HC) has worn the Welsh shirt more than 80 times.
Wales has found a new goal scorer in Ollie Cooper who has two hat tricks to his name already and, supported by Ben Rogers and Matt Ruxton, the forward line will trouble any international defence. Coach Mike Williamson has added Brian Hibbert from South Africa as assistant coach and Grahame Mansell Grace as goal keeper coach to the support team and is looking forward to the squad making further strides this year after the Celtic Cup win in 2004.
A full supporting programme has been arranged for the weekend of 25th and 26th June in Swansea with the Welsh Veterans (40+) playing their English counterparts on Saturday. Wales Senior Women will also be playing on both days against England U-21’s as part of their own build up to the European Trophy in Azerbaijan in September.
