Sarah Jones will become the second Welsh Women’s Hockey international to make her Great Britain debut this year when she plays at the FIH Women’s Champions Trophy in China.
Jones, who has won 91 Welsh caps, was named as part of an 18-strong squad to head to China to face the host national, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan and Argentina.
She follows in the footsteps of Team Wales Commonwealth Games colleague Rose Thomas.
Thomas, who plays at Holcombe with Jones, has won four caps in goal for the GB side this year, although is not included in the squad for Changzhou.
For the 28-year-old Jones, who made her Wales debut back in 2011, it is an opportunity to push for place on the team set to defend the Olympic title in Tokyo in 2020.
“I’m really pleased to have been selected to be part of the squad competing at the Champions Trophy in China, and it’s a special moment to receive my first cap for GB,” said Jones.
Jones joins Amy Tennant, Erica Sanders and Tess Howard as likely debutants in China for a tournament that will bring together the reigning World Cup, World League, Olympic, Champions Trophy, Asian and Oceania champions.
With Alex Danson missing through injury, Hollie Pearne-Webb will captain the side. David Ralph will lead the coaching team while the recruitment process for a new head coach continues.
“The FIH Champions Trophy is always a tough and enjoyable tournament with the format giving us the opportunity to play against some excellent opposition.
“This is our first tournament outing as Great Britain in two years, and it provides us with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our abilities and continue our growth towards competing in the FIH Pro League in 2019,” said Ralph.
“The Champions Trophy presents the news caps with a great opportunity to showcase their talents, and is a justified reward for their development and performances.”
The FIH Champions Trophy marks the beginning of an important phase of international hockey, with the FIH Pro League beginning in January, 2019, and Olympic qualification also to be decided within the next 12 months.
Jones first made the GB squad last year and has impressed during her twice weekly training sessions with the national squad to earn her call-up. A double Commonwealth Games veteran, she has also played football for Wales.
Team GB Fixtures in China
Saturday, 17 November: v China
Sunday, 18 November: v Australia
Tuesday, 20 November: v Japan
Thursday, 22 November: v Netherlands
Saturday, 24 November: v Argentina