Irish hockey has secured hosting rights for men’s Round Two in 2017

In what is turning out to be one of the most important years in the history of the game, Irish hockey has secured hosting rights for the men's World League Round Two in 2017, a stage in the qualification process for the 2018 World Cup in India and ultimately the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Hosting the World League event continues Ireland's ambitions to attract top tournaments and is one of just three countries to host the Round Two stage. It is the second time the Irish Hockey Association has been chosen.

It also highlights the standing Ireland now has in international hockey after winning a bronze medal at the recent European Championships for the first time.

The Irish men’s inclusion in next year’s Olympics Games in Rio hinges on the outcome of an Oceania tournament next month. In what is essentially a play-off between Australia and New Zealand, Ireland needs the world number one side Australia to come through in order to be Rio bound. The African continental championships could also provide entry but is not as straightforward as Australia winning, which would provide direct entry.

The women’s World League Round Two events will be played in Vancouver, Canada, Valencia, Spain, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with hopes that Ireland can progress to Round Three and qualify for the World Cup, which will be staged in England in 2018.

Dublin will be the only venue in Europe to host Round Two of the men’s competition, with the other two events going to Trinidad & Tobago and Bangladesh. The competitions will take place in early 2017.