The Hero Hockey India League recently wrapped up another exhilarating season, delivering world-class hockey, passionate crowds, and unforgettable moments. Among the many international stars gracing the field, three Welsh players—Jacob Draper, Toby Reynolds-Cotterill, and Gareth Furlong—made their mark, gaining invaluable experience in India’s high-intensity hockey environment.
A Season of Highs and Lows
The 2025 season brought mixed fortunes for Wales’ representatives:
Jacob Draper suited up for Team Gonisika, finishing in 7th place. Despite early-season struggles and team adjustments, Draper relished the chance to play alongside Indian hockey legends like Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and SV Sunil—transforming former rivals into teammates and friends.
Gareth Furlong played for Delhi SG Pipers, a youthful squad that endured a challenging inaugural season, finishing at the bottom of the table. Although they faced exciting and competitive matches, converting leads into wins proved difficult. Despite the results, Furlong embraced the experience, particularly the "electric" atmosphere of Indian hockey, as well as the opportunity to play alongside familiar faces from his time with Wales and Great Britain.
Toby Reynolds-Cotterill signed for the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, who were among the tournament favourites with a strong lineup that included international stars like Arthur Van Doren and Thierry Brinkmann. Although the Lancers finished 6th, they played an exciting brand of hockey, leading the league in goals scored. A highlight for Toby was the team’s dramatic comeback against Delhi SG Pipers, overturning a 5-1 deficit to win in a shootout in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
For all three players, competing in India was about more than just results—it was a learning experience. The exposure to different styles of play, India’s immense passion for hockey, and the cultural immersion left a lasting impression.
Reflecting on his time in India, Gareth shared that he loved “generally experiencing a completely different way of life” and that “Christmas in India was something completely different—an experience I’ll never forget.” Now back with Surbiton HC, he’s focused on helping his team secure a playoff spot in the English Hockey League and preparing for an exciting summer with Wales, with hopes of 2026 Hockey World Cup qualification.
Jacob highlighted the perspective he gained from his time in India: “I’ve returned with a greater appreciation for how fortunate we are in Wales. Seeing the stark realities of poverty firsthand was eye-opening.” After some well-earned recovery time with family, he’s back at Pinoké Hockey Club in Amsterdam, where the team will be eyeing up a playoff spot.
Meanwhile, Toby emphasised how the league broadened his understanding of international hockey, having “learnt the value other countries put on different skills and facets of the game which gives them their strengths as a nation.” He’s now preparing for the rest of the season with Hampstead & Westminster HC, where he and his teammates are adjusting to a new coaching setup with Wales Men’s Head Coach Danny Newcombe stepping in.
A Message to Future Players
All three players had one resounding piece of advice for aspiring hockey stars: If you get the opportunity to play in India, take it. With passionate fans filling massive stadiums, a deep-rooted passion for the sport, and an unrivalled atmosphere, the experience is both professionally enriching and personally unforgettable.
Whilst we at Hoci Cymru can’t wait to have our players back representing Wales in what will be an exciting summer of international hockey, it’s clear that the Hero Hockey India League 2025 once again delivered elite competition, unforgettable moments, and invaluable opportunities for players from across the globe. With teams already looking ahead to the next edition, the league continues to cement its status as one of the world’s premier hockey tournaments.
