Hockey star Phoebe Richards will represent Wales once again in this year’s Commonwealth Games.

Richards, who was born and raised in Knighton, has been selected to represent Wales for her third successive games.

Hockey Wales announced its 38 athletes for Birmingham 2022 last Wednesday, which will include Olympic medallists, 12 debutants and three uncapped players.

Richards, who has 120 caps to her name, will be one of the senior players in the squad. Her cap haul across the team is only bettered by captain Leah Wilkinson, who has played for her country 170 times.

Richards, who plays as a forward, currently plays her hockey for Clifton Robinsons. She made her international debut for Wales in 2012 and represented her country at both the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Hockey Wales Director of Performance Kevin Johnson said: “Selection across both genders has been incredibly competitive, which is a sign of how strong our international teams currently are. We aim to build on recent successes and try to deliver our best finish at a Commonwealth Games.

“I’ve been impressed over the last year with the way the wider squad has pushed themselves as a group. While this will only make us stronger in the future, it has made this selection tough.

“At the other end of the spectrum, we have the experience of eight players who are near to or beyond the 100 caps mark for Wales. It is an encouraging blend of potential and experience as the team prepares for the exciting opportunity to play on the world stage once again.”