When the first whistle blows at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, more than 80 Grays Hockey athletes will walk onto the pitch carrying the hopes of their nation. From captains leading the line to Olympic medallists, we have drag flick specialists to world-class defenders, every player has one thing in common: complete confidence in their Grays Hockey 26/27 range.
For players, this tournament comes after years of preparation, years of highs and lows, all building momentum to arguably the biggest stage within the sport. That's why every Grays Hockey stick, shoe and glove has been developed alongside the very players who trust them to deliver exactly what they want to execute, in the most pressured moments.
Ever wondered why a pro chooses the equipment they use? Asking yourself how they came to that decision? Why don’t they back a different stick? We get it. The Grays Hockey 26/27 stick range offers more choice than ever before. With different bow profiles, carbon compositions and performance technologies, understanding which stick you want to play with can be well, confusing...! However, every collection has been purposefully engineered with one goal in mind: to help players unlock different areas of their game. Whether you prioritise power, control, aerial distribution or advanced skills, each stick shape is designed to inspire confidence every time you step onto the pitch.
Here's a closer look at some of the Grays Hockey athletes competing at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, the equipment they trust, and why it suits their style of play.
1. Zach Wallace, England Captain & HC Bloemendaal
Equipment: ZW7 Jumbow | Aerocage X10 | Apex Touch Glove
England captain Zach Wallace has established himself as one of the world's most complete midfielders. Controlled in possession, relentless without the ball and capable of dictating the tempo of any match, Zach's style of play demands equipment that performs and allows him to express himself with confidence.
Developed alongside Zach himself, the Grays Hockey Limited Edition ZW7 Hockey Stick combines the trusted Jumbow profile with exceptional hitting power, aerial distribution and all-round control. Based on his beloved GR7000 (now the JB8), Zach opts for a softer touch to his stick so he has even more control and feel when he's firing pinpoint passes through midfield or driving into the circle. Ultimately, the ZW7 is engineered to complement his explosive style of play.
Having been a Grays footwear ambassador since the original Aerocage launched, Zach continues to trust the Grays Hockey Aerocage X10 Hockey Shoes for their lightweight comfort, responsive cushioning and stability during explosive changes of direction. Completing his match-day essentials is the Grays Hockey Apex Touch Glove, delivering dependable protection without compromising feel on the stick.
Read Zach’s exclusive blog “Grays Hockey Limited Edition: The ZW7 Hockey Stick - Inspired By Zach Wallace”
2. Hannah McLoughlin, Ireland & Gantoise HC
Equipment: JB8 Hockey Stick, Apex Full Glove
A commanding box-to-box midfielder, Hannah McLoughlin is equally comfortable controlling the game from midfield or dropping into defence to build attacks. Her ability to read the game and distribute accurately makes her one of Ireland's most influential players.
Hannah chooses the Grays Hockey JB8 Hockey Stick for its exceptional balance of power, touch and distribution. The Jumbow profile gives her the confidence to launch accurate aerials, strike cleanly through the ball and deliver powerful passes, while remaining composed in possession. It's also her go-to stick for attacking penalty corners, where its clean striking performance comes into its own. A firm favourite of our globally popular International Pro Glove, Hannah now backs its upgraded successor the 26/27 Grays Hockey Apex Full Glove for the ultimate full hand protection, which promises a flexible and comfortable fit, allowing players like Hannah complete confidence in their play.
Interested by the Jumbow Collection? Read our exclusive JB blog “Grays Hockey Jumbow: An Icon In The Sport”.
3. Lena Neill, Ireland & Old Alex HC
Equipment: PB10 Hockey Stick, Aerocage XW10, Apex Full Glove
Six months after welcoming her first child, Lena Neill returns to Ireland's World Cup squad, a testament to her determination and resilience. A passionate, uncompromising centre-back, Lena leads through her actions and thrives in defining defensive moments. What makes her style of play so interesting? Lena backs the Grays Hockey PB10 Hockey Stick.
Traditionally designed for the attacking, creative and flair players, the PB10 Hockey Stick has been Lena's trusted choice for years. Its ultra-low Probow profile allows her to fire pinpoint aerials, switch play effortlessly across the back line and carry the ball confidently out of defence. In the biggest of games, at the most defining moments, Lena values the control and reliability the PB10 gives her, because one touch can often make the difference between saving a goal and conceding one.
“I have used the Probow hockey stick shape for about 8 years now and I’m confident that I won’t be changing anytime soon. The bow is perfect for the slider pass, which is a big part of my game. The shape of the stick and balance allows me to add pace to the pass, which is so important in centre back. The shape also allows me to throw aerials with more ease, especially when the ball is moving. I also love how it helps my first touch, especially when I’m under pressure in the defensive circle. I feel like I can trust it. For me, it’s the best stick on the market for someone looking to develop their aerial game, really fizz the ball around and have a consistent first touch.”
Lena will also be stepping on the Belfius Stadium World Cup pitch in Wavre wearing our flagship Grays Hockey Aerocage XW10 hockey shoes.
Want to know more about the Probow Collection? Read our PB blog “The Grays Hockey Probow: Crafted For Creativety”.
4. Fiona Crackles, England & Wimbledon HC
Equipment: DB9+ Hockey Stick, Aerocage XW10, Apex Full Glove
A relentless engine in midfield, Fiona Crackles has evolved into one of England's most dynamic box-to-box players. Comfortable under pressure and dangerous driving forward, Fiona pushes to influence every area of the pitch.
Her recent switch to the Grays Hockey DB9+ Hockey Stick reflects that evolution. The enhanced Dynabow Plus profile delivers outstanding first touch, responsive control and greater power, while the reinforced Low Backhand Zone provides extra confidence when playing reverse-stick passes and receiving under pressure.
Fiona also leads a growing group of internationals wearing the Grays Hockey Aerocage XW10 Hockey Shoes, engineered specifically around the female foot for uncompromising fit, comfort and stability. Paired with G600 Shin Guards and the Apex Full Glove, it's a setup built for elite performance.
Fiona’s exclusive blog “Being Brave Enough” delves into the mental toughness within elite sport, and the resilience needed to compete at the highest level.
5. Steijn van Heijninjen, Netherlands & Rotterdam
Equipment: DB10+ Hockey Stick
Fresh from winning the 2025/26 Hoofdklasse title with HC Rotterdam, Steijn van Heijningen has become one of the Netherlands' most trusted box-to-box midfielders. Dynamic in possession, relentless out of it and always looking to put in the effort at either ends of the pitch.
He was also the very first Grays Hockey international to put the DB10+ Hockey Stick into play. Introduced to the concept during a photoshoot in 2024, Steijn immediately recognised its potential and began using the stick behind the scenes, working closely with the Grays Hockey product team throughout its development. Over the following two years, his feedback helped refine the final design, ensuring the DB+ delivered the perfect balance of control, power and responsiveness demanded by the modern player.
Built around the enhanced Dynabow Plus profile, the DB10+ gives Steijn the confidence to move the ball with precision and accelerate through midfield, while the enhanced spine and Low Backhand Zone provide extra power and consistency when striking, distributing and playing on the reverse stick.
Interested in the DB+ Collection? Find out why it’s so popular in “Is The Grays DB+ The Best Hockey Stick For You?”.
6. Derck de Vilder, Netherlands & Kampong HC
Equipment: DB10 Hockey Stick
Still only 27, Derck de Vilder has become one of world hockey's finest midfield operators. Calm under pressure and effortlessly composed, he controls the tempo of matches through intelligent positioning, quick hands and exceptional vision.
Derck continues to trust the Grays Hockey DB10 Hockey Stick, drawn to the Dynabow profile's renowned touch and control. A dependable first touch allows him to receive confidently before moving the ball quickly, while the flagship carbon construction provides the power needed for penetrating passes, driven slap hits and powerful finishes from midfield.
You’re probably now wondering which stick may be the best fit for you, right? We’ve got you. Read our Stick Buying Guide to make sure you’re getting the most out of your stick, and your skillset.
7. Tomas Domene, Argentina & Waterloo Ducks HC
Equipment: JB10 Hockey Stick, Aerocage X10
Aggressive, explosive and brilliantly unpredictable, Tomás Domene is one of the most dangerous forwards in world hockey. Fresh from a prolific season with Waterloo Ducks, where he scored more than 30 goals on the way to the Belgian title, Tomás heads into the World Cup full of confidence.
His weapon of choice is the Grays Hockey JB10 Hockey Stick. While the Jumbow profile is renowned for powerful distribution and hitting, it's Tomás' devastating drag flicking that truly showcases what the stick can do. Expect thunderous penalty corners, outrageous skills and moments capable of changing any match.
Off the ball, Tomás relies on the Aerocage X10 Hockey Shoes to provide the lightweight comfort, grip and responsiveness needed for his explosive, high-intensity game.
“I believe that choosing the right stick is one of the most important factors when taking corners! Every player has different preferences when it comes to choosing a stick. My personal choice is always for lightweight sticks with the balance in the middle so the head isn’t too heavy, with a more traditional lowbow (I use the JB10) - I generate a lot of rotation when flicking, and with too much of an extreme bow, the ball sometimes goes wide if I rotate too much...”
Want to improve your drag flicks? Tomi shares his best tips and advice in our “How To Improve Your Drag Flicking” blog.
8. Victor Wegnez, Belgium & KHC Dragons
Equipped: DB10 Hockey Stick, Aerocage X10
Off the back of a tremendous domestic campaign, helping Waterloo Ducks HC to the Belgium title and a true Belgian hockey icon, Victor Wegnez has played a defining role in one of the most successful eras in his nation's history. Calm, intelligent and endlessly reliable, Victor orchestrates play from midfield, controlling possession and setting the rhythm of his team’s attack.
It's fitting that Victor helped develop the striking red Grays Hockey DB10 Hockey Stick ahead of Belgium's home World Cup. Built around the trusted Dynabow profile, it delivers the responsive touch, quick hands and precise distribution that have become synonymous with Victor's game. Combined with the Aerocage X10 Hockey Shoes, it's a setup engineered for players who value complete control and precision.
Read more about the market-leading Dynabow Collection at “The Dyanbow: Master Your All-Round Play With The DB Collection”.
9. Tess Howard, England & East Grinstead HC
Equipment: AC Zero Hockey Stick
One of England's most complete centre forwards, Tess Howard is renowned for her relentless pressing, intelligent leading runs and ability to bring teammates into the game. Whether she's holding up play with her back to goal, making aggressive runs into the circle or unleashing powerful strikes, Tess thrives on creating opportunities through movement, strength and precision.
Her stick of choice is the Grays Hockey AC Zero Hockey Stick, the flagship model in Grays Hockey revolutionary Aerocore Collection. Designed with Tess' input and finished in a bespoke graphic created in collaboration with her, the AC Zero features the innovative Dynabow-S profile, delivering the exceptional touch and control synonymous with the Dynabow family, while Aerocore Technology unlocks effortless power when striking the ball. The strategic placement of the bow, head shape and internal core creates a unique blend of control and explosive energy transfer, giving attacking players the confidence to receive cleanly, link play and finish with intent.
As Tess explains:
“There's something about the less you try, the harder it hits. I feel especially with the hitting and the amount of power you can get through the head, that this has been designed really for performance and to help you get the best out of your hitting ability.”
Read the latest AC blog “Grays Hockey ACZero: Zero Solvents, Maximum Power”.
10. Sarah McAuley, Ireland & KHC Dragons
Equipment: DB10+ Hockey Stick
One of Grays Hockey’s newest international athletes, Sara McAuley has quickly established herself as an exciting attacking full-back for both Ireland and Belgian side KHC Dragons.
Sara trusts the Grays Hockey DB10+ Hockey Stick, using its exceptional touch and enhanced control to dictate possession from deep before driving forward into attack. The refined Dynabow Plus profile encourages quick combinations and accurate passing between teammates and build up play, while the enhanced Low Backhand Zone gives her confidence distributing on her reverse side along the left flank. For a player who spends as much time creating attacks as stopping them, the DB10+ is the perfect all-round partner.
Are you a defender looking wondering what stick is best for you? Read “What Is The Best Hockey Stick For Defenders?” to find your perfect match.
Seen something you like? Here’s some relevant blogs to delve into:
Which Grays Hockey Stick Shall I Buy?
Is The Grays Hockey PB+ The Best Stick For You?
Grays Aerocage XW: The Best Women’s Hockey Shoe
