GWENT will have two representatives in the Wales women’s hockey team in the World League Round 2, writes Ryan Robinson.

Both captain Abi Welsford from Usk and Danielle Jordan from Cwmbran have been selected among the 18-strong team that will head out to Kuala Lumpur this week in preparation for the tournament.

The competition in the Malaysian capital is another opportunity for the squad to compete for vital qualifying points in pursuit of a place in the semi-finals and then potentially the 2018 FIH World Cup.

Head coach Kevin Johnson said: “As individuals, the players will learn a great amount playing in the high temperatures and humidity of Kuala Lumpur, as well as experiencing different types and styles of opposition from around the globe.

“It will be an invaluable experience and after our recent gains, we are fully confident in our ability to perform well.”

The Welsh team currently sit 32nd in the world rankings, aspiring to better that with valuable points at the World League Round 2 as the top-10 Commonwealth countries in late 2017 qualify automatically for the 2018 World Cup.

In qualification for round two, Wales came through tough opposition to finish second in round one, just behind Russia and ahead of hosts France.

In addition, notable victories were picked up in international test matches against world top-20 opposition Italy and Poland as-well as a credible away draw against the Italians.

And as testament to their recent success, the management have decided to stick with the original team ahead of round two.

Johnson added: “Following recent training camps, there have been no surprises or changes in World League 2 selection, which is testament to the positive performances the team managed in round one.”

The hockey World Round League 2 is scheduled to take place from January 14 to January 22 and Wales have been drawn in pool A alongside rivals Italy, Thailand and Singapore.

For updates during the tournament you can follow @HockeyWales or @HociCymruWomen on Twitter.