Ruxton named Wales Senior Men Captain
The Welsh Hockey Union and Wales Men's management team, are delighted to announce Matt Ruxton as the new Wales Senior Men’s Captain. Ruxton, 27, has captained the side on a number of one off occasions in the past and has the added experience of captaining his club team, Team Bath Buccaneers.
Welsh Hockey is confident that he will do an outstanding job in these exciting times and with a fresh squad, the group are looking forward to the Europeans at Wrexham and the hunt for a Commonwealth Games spot.
Matt has been an ever present member of the squad since his first cap against Belgium in 2003 and will play his 50th international in the first test v Ireland on Saturday 6th June – a fitting way to celebrate taking over the captaincy.
A delighted Ruxton said: "I was elated to be asked to captain the Wales Senior Men’s team and felt very honoured. It is something I have always wanted to do and it is a privilege to be asked. Captaining your country in such an important year with hopefully promotion to the top division and possible qualification for the Commonwealth Games will be a great experience, especially with the group of players that the Wales Men Squad has this year. We have a great blend of experience and youth and with the strength and depth of the squad better than previous years we are all very positive about the campaign".
The other two players forming part of this new leadership group are the experienced Huw Jones with over 70 Caps and relative newcomer Rick Gay (5 caps) who will support Matt as vice captains.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Rhys Joyce who has done a fantastic job in captaining the side from 2003-2008. Joyce is a great servant to Welsh Hockey with over 85 caps, more than 40 of them as captain. He remains part of the squad and will continue to offer his support and experience to both Matt and the group.
