Ireland men handed tough Olympic Games hockey draw

Ireland’s men have been handed a tough draw in the Olympic Games group stages, facing four current world level title holders in Pool B for Rio 2016.

They have been placed in a group with reigning champions Germany – currently world number three – European winners the Netherlands (third), Pan-American champions Argentina (sixth) and Asian Cup holders India (seventh). Canada (14th) complete the six-team group from which Ireland must finish in the top two in order to contest for the medal places.

Craig Fulton’s side are the 10th rated side in the competition but will certainly target the games against the Canadians – whom they beat comfortably in February – and India as must-win ties and then take their chances of an upset against the big three.

Australia (first), Great Britain (fourth), Belgium (fifth), New Zealand (eighth), Spain (11th) and Brazil (32nd) make up Pool A.

The draw was finalised this week in the wake of the decision of South Africa’s Olympic Committee to reject an invitation, as African champions, to the Games. They did not believe that winning the continental competition was a strong enough indicator of ability to be able to compete in Rio. They also refused an invite for the nation’s women’s hockey and rugby sevens teams.

As a result, New Zealand were the grateful recipients of the last available Olympic place as the next best placed side on the World League list.