FORWARD Phoebe Richards has been named in the Welsh hockey squad to travel to France for a three match test series later this month.

Kevin Johnson, the head coach for Wales’ women’s side, has included a blend of returning and new faces in his squad that offers a mix of youth and experience to take on France in the first competitive fixtures of the year.

Richards, who is from Knighton and who plays for Buckingham Hockey Club, has been a mainstay of the team for several years and impressed at last year’s Commonwealth Games where Wales recorded a shock victory over India despite being unable to progress from their group.

Wales head to Antibes to take on their French counterparts in a three match test series staring on Tuesday February 26 with the final game on St David’s Day, Friday March 1.

Wales last came up against France back in 2016 during a World League Round held on their home soil of Douai. Wales won 4-1, securing second place in the tournament and promotion to Round 2.

The short trip to France will provide important preparation time ahead of the FIH Hockey Series Finals due to be held in Valencia in June. The Hockey Series Finals will see Wales go head to head with mainly higher-ranking teams, meaning time together in the build up is crucial.

Johnson said: "I’m really looking forward to us playing some test matches again after coming together for some very positive national training camps in December, January and February. I am expecting France to offer a real challenge to us and therefore it will be an opportunity to test some of the strategies that we have been working on."

The series will see both Lizzie Jones and Sara Rebecca Davies earn their first caps, as well as a returning appearance from Sophie Robinson.

"t is always a proud moment to reward players with their first caps for the national team so I’m delighted to see Lizzie Jones and Sara Davies selected for this series and their first capped experience," said Johnson.

"Lizzie has made an impact after recently joining our programme and Sara has come up through our junior ranks and performed well at the recent European U21 indoor championships. I am very pleased also to see Sophie Robinson back in a Wales shirt after a long absence. Sophie brings an extra threat to our front-line attack and has demonstrated over the years a natural ability to both generate goal shots and score goals."

Wales women’s squad

Beth Bingham

Hannah Cozens

Sara Rebecca Davies

Cari Davies

Sian French (Vice-Captain)

Izzie Howell

Xenna Hughes

Caro Hulme

Ella Jackson

Lizzie Jones

Danni Jordan

Megan Lewis-Williams

Phoebe Richards

Sophie Robinson

Jess Roe

Emily Rowlands

Rose Thomas

Sarah-Jayne Thorburn

Izzy Webb

Jo Westwood

Julie Whiting

Leah Wilkinson (Captain)

Non-travelling reserves

Alice Bennett

Cerys Preston

Morgann Williams