PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers field hockey connections will be prominently featured on the international stage this March as alumna Katie Larmour and assistant coach David Dhadwal prepare to compete in crucial FIH Hockey World Cup qualifying tournaments. Larmour will represent Team Ireland in a women’s qualifier in Santiago, Chile, although Dhadwal will join Team USA in Ismailia, Egypt, for the men’s competition. These tournaments represent the final opportunity for both nations to secure a coveted spot in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, set to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The stakes are high for both teams. For the United States men, the qualifier in Egypt, beginning Sunday, March 1, is their last chance to reach the World Cup. They’ll face a challenging pool that includes Egypt, Malaysia, Austria, Pakistan, China, England, and Japan. Pool play will run from March 1-4, followed by semifinals on March 6 and the final on March 7. At least three teams from the event will earn a berth to the prestigious tournament, as reported by Rutgers University Athletics.
On the women’s side, Ireland will compete in Pool B in Chile, facing Japan, Canada, and Malaysia. Pool A will feature Australia, Chile, France, and Switzerland. Ireland’s campaign kicks off on March 2 against Malaysia, with pool play leading to semifinals on March 7 and the final on March 8. Four teams will ultimately qualify for the World Cup from this tournament.
Dhadwal’s Extensive International Career
Dhadwal brings a wealth of international experience to Team USA, having served as captain and amassed nearly 150 international caps. He has a decorated history with the team, earning 13 medals, including four gold medals, throughout his career. His recent appearances include the 2025 Pan American Cup, the Can Am Indoor Tournament, and the FIH Men’s Nations Cup in Oman. Rutgers Athletics notes his long-standing commitment to the program.
Dhadwal’s connection to Rutgers extends beyond his playing career. He initially joined the Rutgers field hockey coaching staff in 2017, following his participation in the Outdoor Pan Am Cup, and remained through the team’s Big Ten Tournament Championship in 2021. He rejoined the staff in 2024 for his second stint.
Larmour Continues to Excel with Team Ireland
Katie Larmour has quickly become a key player for Team Ireland, earning her selection last summer and subsequently competing in the EuroHockey Championship and the FIH Pro League. According to Rutgers University Athletics, her recent performances have solidified her position on the national team.
During her time at Rutgers from 2016 to 2021, Larmour was a dominant force in the midfield, appearing in 86 games (starting 83) and accumulating 52 points through 17 goals and 18 assists. She scored six game-winning goals and currently ranks among the program’s top 15 in both assists, and points. Larmour was recognized as Rutgers’ Headley-Singer Award winner in 2022 and earned numerous accolades, including two All-American honors (First Team in 2021), four All-Region selections, and three First Team All-Big Ten selections. She was also a key contributor to Rutgers’ Big Ten Tournament championship in 2021.
Both Larmour and Dhadwal represent a strong link between Rutgers University and the international field hockey community. Their participation in these qualifying tournaments underscores the program’s growing reputation for developing talented athletes and coaches.
The coming weeks will be critical as both Team Ireland and Team USA navigate their respective qualifying tournaments. The results will determine which nations will compete for the ultimate prize in field hockey at the FIH World Cup later this year. Follow the progress of these athletes as they strive to represent their countries on the world stage.
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