Ireland’s men will become the first hockey team to represent the country at the Olympics since 1908.

Craig Fulton’s side will compete in Rio next summer after their qualification was secured by Australia’s victory against New Zealand in the Oceania Cup.

Ireland finished fifth in their World League semi-final in Antwerp back in July, but only the top three were guaranteed a ticket to Rio.

Their claim on one of the extra spots would have disappeared if New Zealand had won their continental cup ahead of Australia, who had already qualified for Rio, but the Black Sticks fell to a 3-2 defeat in Stratford.

Fulton said: “It probably hasn’t sunk in yet but we’re over the moon. It’s testament to what the guys have achieved this year on and off the field.”