Furlong scores on 'special' GB debut

Gareth Furlong is congratulated after scoring Great Britain's fifth goal against Ireland

Wales defender Gareth Furlong celebrated his first cap for Great Britain with a goal in an impressive 5-1 win over Ireland on Saturday in the FIH Pro League.

The 31-year-old has 148 caps and 99 goals for Wales since his international debut in 2010, but has had to wait for his GB chance.

But this year he was selected in the GB men's centralised hockey programme alongside Welsh compatriots Toby Reynolds-Cotterill, Jacob Draper and Rupert Shipperley.

"I don't think that could have gone too much better, and to play with Toby and Drapes as well was pretty special," Furlong said.

"It was a massive win and to grab a goal at the end was pretty good as well, I'm really happy."

The centralised programme aims to boost GB's preparations ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"It's different (from the Wales set-up), you spend a lot more time together," he added.

"I've kind of been in and out of training over the last two years and obviously now it's full time rather than training weekends, where with Wales it was making the most of the time you do have together.

"I'm pretty lucky in that respect."

The win over Ireland was the opening FIH Pro League fixture in a mini-tournament being held at London's Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre from 1–12 June.

The GB men will play India, Australia and Spain twice, plus another game against Ireland.

GB's women, including Wales' Sarah Jones, also play India and Australia twice, plus double-headers with China and the United States.