Craig Fulton: Irish success can ward off Great Britain exodus

Craig Fulton believes Ireland’s new place at hockey’s top table can help guard against the defection of players to Great Britain.

The South African, who coached the Green Machine to a first Olympic berth in 108 years last summer and has achieved an all-time high world ranking of 10th, believes Irish hockey can now offer a pathway to the top of the game.

Fulton believes the new presence of Ireland’s U21s at the top European level, plus the increased qualification chances for an expanded 16-team 2018 World Cup, lessens the risk of Ulster prospects switching allegiance amid renewed financial incentives from Great Britain as their men’s team continues to underachieve.