Hockey needs to up its game in an increasingly competitive market

As outlined in the proposals for the new Irish Hockey League (IHL) that begins

next season for both men and women, opportunities will be sought to further develop the new product.

That’s good news but just how that can be done will be closely watched in the context of what competition is out there. The feeling is that hockey needs get its skates on and while the men have always been competing with other team sports and at the elite end also with Britain, on the women’s side rugby has emerged as a new, well-financed competitor.

Interestingly, rugby is being sold as an Olympic sport while hockey never really pushed that point home and at the high end it’s probably the biggest selling point in the marketing locker.

As an illustration an email arrived on Monday. “Irish Rugby Offers Female Sports Stars Opportunity To Turn Pro,” it said. It continued to challenge all female athletes with no prior rugby experience to think of playing Rugby Sevens. The 2016 Olympics in Rio was the carrot.

Current Sevens player Lisa Jacob is well known as her talent earned her over 130 caps representing Ireland in hockey. Jacobs is quoted.

“When I tried out for Sevens I was not sure what to expect as I had never played rugby. However, I was pleasantly surprised as it was far more athletic than I expected.”

“The team support structures in place are really impressive and the set-up and coaching is really professional and I am so excited about being a full-time athlete. Travelling the world to represent Ireland is a dream for many people and the chance to qualify for an Olympic games is simply amazing.”

The IRFU email went on to describe rugby as a modern, fast game with an emphasis on speed agility and high levels of fitness. It read like the skill set required for hockey. Men’s Sevens has also been launched as an Olympic sport this week and they will also be recruiting. Hustling for new athletes has become a competitive sport.