Advertisement
Ireland head coach Craig Fulton guided his side to a historic Olympics qualification earlier this year. Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Ready to go

Here's who the Irish hockey team will face at the 2016 Olympics

The Green Machine have been paired in Pool B alongside world number two ranked team Netherlands.

IRELAND DISCOVERED THEIR 2016 Olympic qualification fate today.

After their qualification for Rio was confirmed back in October, the Green Machine have been paired in Pool B alongside world number two ranked team Netherlands, as well as defending Olympic champions Germany (3), Argentina (6), India (7) and Canada (14).

The other six qaulifiers will play in Pool A – World and Hockey World League champions and world number one side Australia, Great Britain (4 – based on England’s ranking), 2015 Hockey World League runners-up Belgium (5), New Zealand (8), Spain (11) and hosts Brazil (32).

Speaking in reaction to the draw, Ireland coach Craig Fulton said: “There has obviously been a lot of speculation about whether South Africa or New Zealand would take the last pool spot in the men’s tournament. Now that the Olympic pools have been decided we are obviously under no illusions of how tough the Olympic tournament is and the fact that we’re in a tough group.

“Looking at the opposite pool, it is as strong, which is not surprising. It doesn’t matter what group we’re in, we will be focusing solely on improving as individuals, and as a squad and team come Rio. Our first training camp is in early January and we’re looking forward to starting 2016 with a tough but enjoyable tour.”

Boyd Rankin to return to the Ireland shirt after 11 appearances for England>

David Gillick on how Ireland can avoid becoming Europe’s most obese nation>