Coach Jones Relishing French Test For Wales Hockey Hopes

Wales will hand three players their debuts when they face France in the the first men’s international test series of the season in Cardiff.

Swansea’s current Wales Under 18 Captain Ioan Wall, 16, will be joined by Jonny Gooch and Rhys Doherty, who play for the University of Birmingham and Loughborough Students respectively.

Cardiff & Met powerhouse Liam Brignull looks set to win his 50th cap for Wales during the series.

The games at the National Hockey Centre in Cardiff on Thursday and Friday (April 21st/22nd) will see the squad begin preparations for the World League later in the year.

And Men’s Head Coach Zak Jones is relishing his 19-man squad facing a French side that is ranked among the world’s top 20.

Jones said: ”We are excited to be getting our competitive preparation for World League underway with these two tests against France.

“Having not had any international outdoor fixtures since last summer’s successful European campaign, the squad are very much looking forward to getting back into international action.

“With a number of retirements following the last cycle, these tests provide real and valuable opportunities for our talented youngsters to stake their claim as we build towards World League in September.

“With France currently ranked 17th in the world, there is no doubt that these two tests will present a stern challenge to this relatively young squad.

“However, I am confident that it is a challenge the group will rise to and one we are all very much looking forward to.”

Entry to watch Wales vs France at Sophia Gardens is FREE.
Wales Men

David Kettle (GK), Surbiton, Dewi Roblin (GK), Southgate, Steve Kelly, Surbiton, Gareth Furlong, Surbiton, Dan Kyriakides, Cardiff & Met, Ben Carless, Cardiff & Met, Ioan Wall, Cardiff & Met, Lewis Prosser, Surbiton,
Jonny Gooch, University of Birmingham, Rob Mugridge, Bromley & Beckenham, Liam Brignull, Cardiff & Met, Dale Hutchinson, Cardiff & Met, Rupert Shipperley, Surbiton, Rhodri Furlong, Cambridge City, Luke Hawker, Cardiff & Met, Ben Francis, University of Exeter, Rhys Doherty, Loughborough Students, Owain Dolan Gray, Cardiff & Met
James Carson, Cardiff & Met.