Ireland’s women promoted to Pro League for first time

Ireland’s women will play in the Pro League for the first time

Ireland’s women will play in the FIH Pro League for the first time later this year after accepting an invitation from the world governing body.

Gareth Grundie’s side narrowly missed out on automatic promotion to the sport’s highest level of competition after the lost the final of the FIH Nations to New Zealand in March.

The defeat, in a shootout, meant New Zealand could have taken their place in the Pro League but declined the invitation.

Ireland are the ninth and final team to be confirmed for the seventh edition of the Pro League.

They will play alongside the World's top sides, including Olympic gold medallists Netherlands, Olympic Bronze medallists Argentina, and World number 3 Belgium.

The other countries taking part are Germany, England, China, Australia and Spain.

Ireland, currently ranked eleven in the world, will replace India in next season's competition, following their relegation on Sunday.

The timing of their inclusion in the competition couldn’t be better with qualification for the 2026 World Cup coming up at the start of next year and will provide the best preparation for the squad.

"I am delighted that we have been given the opportunity to participate in the FIH Pro League 2025/26 Season 7,“ said Ireland Women's Head Coach Gareth Grundie.

“It's a testament to the quality of play this team has achieved to date and is an excellent and invaluable opportunity for further improvement.

“It comes at an ideal time for us as a programme also, pitting us against the World's best teams as we go in search of qualification for the 2026 FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium."

The Irish squad, currently preparing for the European Championships in August, will find out their Pro League schedule shortly.