Olympian Jones returns for Wales at Nations Cup 2
Two-time Olympian Sarah Jones returns to the Wales squad as they prepare for this month's inaugural FIH Women's Nations Cup 2 in Poland.The 34-year-old midfielder or forward retired from Team GB after the 2024 Paris Games but indicated she would continue to represent Wales.It will be Jones' first Welsh cap since the squad won bronze at the 2023 European Championships, and she will be vice-captain along with Izzie Howell.Beth Bingham continues to captain an 18-strong squad which includes four uncapped players; Lottie Atkinson, Ffion Horrell, Katie Partridge and Beth Peers.Tilly Edwards and Rachel Goodwin are non-travelling reserves for the tournament in Walcz from 16-22 June, with Wales in Pool B along with Italy, Czechia and France.
Pool A features hosts Poland, Malaysia, South Africa and Uruguay with the overall winners gaining promotion to the 2026 Hockey Nations Cup, which in turn provides a further pathway towards promotion to the top-flight FIH Hockey Pro League."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," said head coach Kevin Johnson, who will celebrate his 100th official game in charge when they face the Czech Republic in Wales' second match."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 three years."This selection reflects yet more player transition and congratulations to the four players set to earn their first 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."
Wales squad
Anja Atkin, Lottie Atkinson, Beth Bingham (capt), Amy Cradden, Rebecca Daniel, Freya Diamond, Emily Drysdale, Millie Holme, Ffion Horrell, Izzie Howell (vice-capt), Ella Jackson, Sarah Jones (vice-capt), Katie Partridge, Beth Peers, Maisie Riley, Lily Roberts, Betsan Thomas, Caitlin Witham.
Wales' Nations League schedule
Monday, 16th June: Wales v Italy (11:00 BST)Tuesday, 17th June: Czechia v Wales (11:00 BST)Thursday, 19th June: Wales v France (13:00 BST)Saturday, 21st June: Semi-finals/5th–8th place play-offs Sunday, 22nd June: Finals/5th–8th place play-offs
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