A QUARTET of Wrexham stars are heading out to represent Wales at the Masters World Cup in South Africa.

Wrexham Glyndwr Hockey Club players Rhiannon Whittaker, Rachel Dathan and Siobhan Henn will all feature for the Wales Over 35s in Cape Town, while Rhiannon’s sister Delyth Hughes is representing Wales Over 40s.

Whittaker admits she was a surprise addition to the squad, having trained all season as a non-playing reserve.

“I only got the call-up at the end of August,” said Rhiannon, a PE teacher at the Alun School in Mold.

“It’s been a whirlwind trying to sort everything out for the trip and I’m still in shock.”

But she said she was lucky to have some familiar faces around her including Dathan, who is also a teacher at the Alun School.

“I’m glad that I am travelling with clubmates,” said Rhiannon, who’s nicknamed Raz. “It’s daunting to go and represent your country but when the call came in my husband told me I had to grab the opportunity.”

Rhiannon has always played hockey and her family has deep roots in the sport - her mum is Wrexham hockey legend Pat Sharples - but she was a late bloomer. “My older sisters were good and Delyth played up to senior level for Wales,” she said. “I’ve taken a little longer to get there but through hard work and dedication I’ve now got a chance to compete at international level for Wales.

“It’s a rare opportunity that not many people get, so I just want to grab it and make the most of it.”

The tournament gets underway on Saturday when Wales Over 35s take on Zimbabwe in their opening match at Western Province Hockey Club.

“Fortunately the Over 35s schedule is opposite to the Over 40s so I’m hoping Delyth and I can watch each other’s matches,” said Rhiannon.

They won’t be the only ones watching however. Games will be streamed from Cape Town live on the South African Masters Hockey Association YouTube Channel. “My son George has already told me he will be watching,” said Rhiannon. “It’s all just really exciting.”

Support has been key for all the Wales players. There is no funding for the Welsh Masters teams so players have to fund their own travel, accommodation and expenses.

“Once selected players rely on sponsorship to represent Wales,” said Wales Over 35s social media lead Hannah Bevan. “To get to South Africa and compete is around £4,000.

“But for these women this is a rare chance to represent Wales on the international stage. It’s a chance to show their children what is possible and a real opportunity to achieve something special.

“There are a number of teams in this year’s tournament that Wales have not faced before like Zimbabwe and New Zealand, so it will be an interesting tournament. But the fact that hockey offers Masters competition from Over 35s to Over 75s is incredible and means it’s never too late to have one more shot at international glory.”

Wrexham Glyndwr’s women defeated Northop Hall 3-1 in their latest spot of North West League Division Two South action.

North West League Division Three South: Northop Hall 5 Lymm 2.

Division Five West (South): Wrexham Glyndwr 3 Rhyl & District 2; Bangor City 4 Northop Hall 2nds 1.

Saturday fixtures: Division Three South: Chester 3rds v Northop Hall. Division Five West (South): Bebington 2nds v Wrexham Glyndwr; Northop Hall 2nds v Eirias 3rds. Women’s Division Two South: Bolton v Wrexham Glyndwr; Northop Hall v Macclesfield.