The 2027 EuroHockey Championships will return to England after a 12-year gap and will provide Sam Ward, who is a European silver and bronze medallist, with perhaps one final attempt to complete the set and claim gold.
England hockey star Sam Ward
Cricket nut Sam Ward is hoping to see Test match crowds when the EuroHockey Championships come to England next summer.
The 2027 edition of the tournament will return to England after a 12-year gap and will provide the 35-year-old, who is a European silver and bronze medallist, with perhaps one final attempt to complete the set and claim gold.
Harlequins’ Twickenham Stoop will host the semi-finals and finals of the event and three-time Olympian Ward, who hails from Leicester, is relishing the opportunity to play in front of crowds similar to those attracted at the likes of Lord’s, the Oval and Trent Bridge.
“Watching other sports and the crowds they get makes you want the same for us and the same kind of following,” said Ward. “Over the next few months, it’s about pushing to make sure we get as big a following as possible for these Europeans on home turf.
“[Playing at home] is as good as it comes. I played in the 2015 Championships at home, and when I look back now, it’s still one of the most special tournaments I’ve ever played in.
“Playing a proper major in your own country is incredible. I’ll hopefully be able to play again in 2027 and having home fans and as much family here as possible makes it even more special. It definitely feels like a full circle moment. You never know when your next cap is around the corner.”
The championships, that will take place between 28 July to 8 August 2027, will feature 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams as well as Hockey ID teams, and will see the Pool games and quarterfinals take place at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
An eye-catching feature of the tournament will be that the men’s, women’s and Hockey ID championships will all culminate on the same stage, with every final played at The Stoop.
Innovative pitch technology will transform the iconic rugby venue, ready for it to stage the business end of the biggest EuroHockey Championships ever staged. Tickets for EuroChamps27 will go on sale in spring 2026 with pricing designed to reach as many communities as possible.
Former England and Great Britain captain, and current England Hockey president Alex Danson-Bennett said: “What excites me most about EuroChamps27 is the commitment to making it genuinely accessible and affordable.
“This event is about opening the doors to hockey, giving more people the chance to experience our sport live, and showcasing just how exciting and inclusive it is.
Esther Britten, deputy director of major events at UK Sport, added: “We are extremely excited to work with our event hosting partners again to bring EuroChamps27 to England.
“This will be the first major international hockey event hosted here since the World Cup in 2018, and it represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase the sport at the highest level, deliver a world-class major event for athletes and fans and have a positive impact in local communities.”
EuroChamps27 is coming to London in the summer of 2027. Register your interest in tickets now via https://eurochamps27.com/register/
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