IRISH ladies hockey coach Riet Kuper has named a squad of 20 to travel to America next month as preparations intensify ahead of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland from March 19-28.

Five uncapped players have been named in the Irish women’s hockey squad to play three Test matches in the USA next month.

Ireland 4 France2

Ireland women’s preparations for the European Nations Cup in September continue this week with a training camp and two Test matches in Holland.

Ireland’s women have named the pool of players who will contest selection for September’s European Nations Cup in Barcelona.

Ireland women’s coach Riet Kuper has handed first call-ups to five players for a three-day Easter training camp.

USA 2 Ireland 1