SOPHIE Clayton and Danielle Jordan know all about representing Wales at the Commonwealth Games – and they can’t wait to do it once again on the Gold Coast, writes David Williams.

The duo, along with fellow Gwent hockey stars Rose Thomas and Jacob Draper, begin their quest for glory in Australia tomorrow, as the Welsh women and men bid to make history down under.

Wales are yet to medal in hockey since the sport became a part of the Games in Kuala Lumpur 20 years ago, with Australia by far the most successful nation with nine golds out of 10.

Both the women and men go up against England, India and Malaysia in the pool stages – the women also face South Africa and the men’s fourth opponents are Pakistan.

The Pakistanis provide Draper and co with their first test tomorrow at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre (10.30am BST), a match that comes after the ladies take on India.

Newport-born Clayton, 26, a dentist by day, can’t wait to get her teeth into a second Commonwealth Games.

The 54-cap forward, who made her international debut against Canada in 2013 and currently plays for Clifton Robinson HC, featured in Glasgow in 2014 as a replacement for the injured Ellie Laity.

She said: “Playing in the Commonwealth Games this time around will mean so much to me, mainly because I really earned my place amongst the squad.

“I’ve worked so hard to be selected, which at times has been difficult, but nothing really worth doing is ever easy.

“It’s wonderful to know all the commitment I’ve put into juggling work with my early morning and late evening training has been worth it.

“I can’t wait to get out there with the girls and hopefully create an upset.”

Midfielder Jordan is well on the way to a century of caps with 66 so far at the age of just 22.

The Cwmbran product, who made her Wales debut in 2012, was studying for her A-levels when she was picked for Glasgow, the same year she developed pneumonia and appendicitis.

Another fitness battle this season saw her sidelined for six months, but now that is all behind her and the Gold Coast awaits.

“It means everything to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games,” she said. “I am so proud to be from Wales.

“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to represent Wales and my family and friends, who’ve been a massive support to me, especially throughout the last six months coming back from injury.”

***Danielle Jordan has today been ruled out of the Games after suffering a broken thumb in training.