Team England has today announced 17 athletes set to represent the host nation in men’s Hockey at this summer’s Commonwealth Games. The squad features a mix of previous Commonwealth Games Bronze medallists, Olympians as well as some exciting new talent.

After a lengthy season competing in the FIH Pro League alongside fellow Commonwealth nations South Africa and India, the squad are now looking towards the summer under new coach Paul Revington. Paul takes over from interim head coach Zak Jones, who will now be joining him as assistant coach with the support of Kwan Browne and new appointment from the Dutch Hoofdeklasse, Craig Sieben.

Within the squad are seven medal winners from the 2018 Commonwealth Games and four Olympians; Liam Ansell, David Condon, Brendan Creed, David Goodfield, Chris Griffiths, Phil Roper and Sam Ward. Forward, Sam Ward is back for his second Commonwealth Games, having scored twice in the bronze medal match against India back in 2018, leading England to a third-place victory.  

Joining the side for their first Commonwealth Games, having all played crucial roles in the FIH Pro League this year are James Albery, Will Calnan, James Mazerelo, Nick Park, Stu Rushmere and England’s top scorer this season, Nick Bandurak. Providing added experience to the squad are 2020 Tokyo Olympians, Ollie Payne, Tom Sorsby, Zach Wallace and Jack Waller.

On the eve of the team announcement, unfortunately Liam Stanford suffered an injury which has ruled him out for the Games. A replacement athlete will be announced in due course.

This summer, Team England will comprise of over 400 athletes in total, all of whom will look to capitalise on the once in a lifetime opportunity to bring home success in their own country.

 

The players announced to represent Team England are:

 

·       James Albery (Ware, Old Georgians HC)

·       Liam Ansell (High Wycombe, Wimbledon HC)

·       Nick Bandurak (Wolverhampton, Holcombe HC)

·       Will Calnan (Chobham, Hampstead & Westminster HC)

·       David Condon (Leicester, Wimbledon HC)

·       Brendan Creed (Solihull, Surbiton HC)

·       David Goodfield (Telford, Surbiton HC)

·       Chris Griffiths (Kings Heath, Old Georgians HC)

·       James Mazarelo (Manchester, Surbiton HC)

·       Nick Park (Reading, Surbiton HC)

·       Ollie Payne (Totnes, Holcombe HC)

·       Phil Roper (Chester, Holcombe HC)

·       Stuart Rushmere (Baldrine, Surbiton HC)

·       Tom Sorsby (Sheffield, Surbiton HC)

·       Zach Wallace (Caterham, HDM)

·       Jack Waller (Thames Ditton, Wimbledon)

·       Sam Ward (Leicestershire, Old Georgians)

Team England’s Hockey Team Leader Ed Barney added: “A home Commonwealth Games is a truly special moment for this squad. They have been working tirelessly under Zak Jones’ interim Head Coach leadership and more recently, Paul Revington’s. Following on from our recent Pro League endeavours, they are well placed to make a mark in the history books and I’m sure we’re in for some exciting Hockey! They are primed to grasp this opportunity and will be looking to deliver game after game.”

Team England’s Chef de Mission, Mark England OBE, welcomed the Hockey players to the team: “I would like to congratulate each of the players on being selected to represent Team England. There is some exciting new talent in this team mixed with a depth of experience. I am looking forward to cheering them on this summer. I would also like to extend my sympathy to Liam Sanford following his injury. We wish him all the best in his recovery.”

You can get behind Team England by following its social channels where each athlete will become Part of the Pride in the run up to Birmingham.

The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event with a fully integrated programme of para sport disciplines and this year’s Games promises to be extra special with full stadiums and arenas after Tokyo 2020 took place behind closed doors. Birmingham 2022 is set to have the largest ever female and para sport programme in history after a new discipline of Women’s T20 Cricket, Beach Volleyball and Para Table Tennis were confirmed.