Wales head coach Danny Newcombe has named his 20-player squad for next month’s Hockey World Cup, as Wales prepare for only the second appearance in their history.

Jacob Draper and Fred Newbold both come into the squad having recovered from injury – a hamstring problem for Draper and an ankle issue for Newbold. Liam Barker earns his first senior call-up after impressing for Wales Under-21s.

Wales booked their spot at the tournament by beating Poland 2-1 in Santiago, Chile back in March, and will head to the Netherlands looking to better the tied-11th finish they managed on their World Cup debut in India in 2023.

The draw has been unkind to Wales, who find themselves in Pool D alongside England, India and Pakistan. All of their group games will be played at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam.

Ranked 16th in the world, Wales go into the tournament as the lowest-ranked side in the competition, but Newcombe’s side will be hoping to spring a few upsets against higher-ranked opposition, as they did in reaching the World Cup in the first place.

Wales have already tested themselves against England, Australia and Spain in preparation, and their final send-off before the tournament will come on home soil.

They face Chile in a warm-up fixture in Cardiff at the end of July, followed by three Test matches against the same opponents in the Welsh capital, before the squad departs for Amsterdam.

Behind the scenes, the programme has been running a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the costs of travel, accommodation and competing at the tournament – underlining the scale of the challenge facing a squad operating well outside hockey’s traditional powerhouses.

“Today is a hugely significant moment for Welsh hockey as we announce the squad that will represent Wales at the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup,” Paul Whapham, Chief Executive of Hoci Cymru, said.

“To qualify for the World Cup was a fantastic achievement, but to now see the players selected and preparing to compete on the world’s biggest stage brings a real sense of excitement and pride.

“Returning to the World Cup for only the second time in our history is a remarkable milestone and demonstrates just how far this programme has come.

“The experience gained in India has provided a strong foundation for this group, and there is real belief and ambition within the squad as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

“Every player selected has earned the opportunity through their dedication, hard work and commitment to representing Wales at the highest level.

“This squad carries the hopes of the entire Welsh hockey community, and we know they will wear the red shirt with immense pride.”

Wales’ World Cup opener in Pool D is expected to be one of the toughest tests on the international calendar – but after beating the odds to qualify twice in a row, few will be writing off the lowest-ranked team in the competition just yet.

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