Wales to play in European top flight for first time in 24 years

Wales will play in the European top flight for the first time in 24 years in 2027 after beating Austria 2-1 in dramatic fashion in their EuroHockey Championship II semi-final in Poland.

It will mark Wales' return to the European A Division for the first time since 2003.

Against Austria, captain Beth Bingham struck first, in the 21st minute, by tapping in from a penalty corner rebound.

Kristine Vukovich levelled for Austria with 10 minutes left through a penalty corner, but Amy Cradden stepped up to score the winner late on, also from a penalty corner, to spark Wales' celebrations.

Bingham's side had already secured a place in the World Cup qualifiers for just the second time in their history, by progressing from the group stage in Gniezno.

Their only previous qualification for the World Cup qualifiers came back in 2021, where they lost to Ireland in the final round.

Wales will face the winner of Friday's second semi-final, Italy v Switzerland, on Saturday in the tournament final.