IT'S been over 30 years since Abergavenny man Chris Holland pulled on a Welsh shirt and represented his country in the World Cup but the hockey veteran will be rolling back the years this August as he picks up his stick and takes his place in the Wales team who are competing in the Over 60s Hockey World Cup.

Holland started playing for Abergavenny Hockey Club at the Avenue Road ground until he left in 1973/74 to play for Newport in the Premier League.

He returned to Abergavenny in 1983 and stayed put until he hung up his stick in 2000.

Holland recalls, "In 2011, while on a trip to Brecon I decided to go and watch the Welsh over 60s squad playing on the astro pitch. Following several friendly games, I was finally selected to play for Wales once more in an international against Scotland.

"This was quite strange because it had been 34 years since I last wore a Welsh shirt in matches against England and Australia."

This year the 0ver 60s and 65s World Cup is being played in Oxford over 10 days. Wales have entered two teams, and Chris has been selected to play in the over 60s Dragons Trophy Team who will compete against Germany, England, South Africa, and Holland.