THE draw for next August's women's hockey World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Zimbabwe was made in Brussels at the weekend, and the Irish team have been drawn in a formidable six nation group that also includes England.

Two pools of six teams will compete for the five available qualifying places for the 1998 World Cup finals in Holland, beginning with a round robin stage and finishing with play off matches for final placings.

Ireland will face strong opposition from Canada and South Africa in their pool but would hope to beat Japan and India, a country better known for the strength of its men's hockey.