Ireland hockey squads with June dates for World Cup prep
Ireland hockey players will clock up June minutes across South Africa and Europe as part of preparations for the men and women before World Cup appearances in August.
Both squads will tackle the FIH World Cup from August 14-30 in the Netherlands and Belgium and build-up fixtures stand key to fine-tuning for the showpiece stage.
Ireland senior women face a finish to the maiden FIH Pro League campaign with games in the Netherlands and Germany.
Ireland senior men head to South Africa for the FIH Nations Cup.
Mark Tumilty’s players will meet hosts South Africa in Pool B with the target of an improvement on the 2022 silver medal and opportunity to book the FIH Pro League spot.
France and USA also provide opposition to the men’s squad, with Ireland entering play as the top-ranked side thanks to ninth in the world standings.
June’s dates for Ireland women under Gareth Grundie take in the closing FIH Pro League fixtures.
Ireland sit five world ranking places below the side placed next but have gained key experience off spirited displays.
In Rotterdam, Ireland have back-to-back dates with hosts the Netherlands then games against Spain. Games in Berlin feature Germany and China against Ireland.
IRELAND MEN: USA (June 11), France (June 13), South Africa (June 16)
IRELAND WOMEN: Netherlands (June 13/14), Spain (June 17/18), Germany (June 23/26), China (June 24/27).