Kuper names 20-strong squad

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.

Most of the squad which finished sixth in the European Nations Championship in September are included, the most notable exceptions being former captain Rachel Kohler and Karen Bateman, both retired from international competition.

Lynsey McVicker, vice-captain of the European squad in Barcelona, has been appointed captain, replacing Kohler, while Jenny Burke takes over the vice-captaincy.