The Irish men's team face a daunting task if they are to successfully retain their Setanta Sports Trophy crown this summer after the line-ups were announced.
Ireland, who defeated Canada in the last year's final will again face the Canadians along with Great Britain and Pakistan - visiting for the first time since the Whitechurch park pitch opening in the earyl 1990s - when the tournament gets underway in June.
Given that all the visiting nations have qualified for the Olympics and will be stepping up their preparations ahead of Beijing, it is unlikely Dave Passmore's side will have things all their own way this time around.
In the women's event, current Olympic champions Germany will again be on hand to defend their title with Ireland also facing the highly-ranked British and South African sides.
"The ability to attract top quality opposition to this event demonstrates the progress made by our national teams," Passmore said today.
"It is essential our players are exposed to high quality tournament hockey which is so vital in developing players and enabling them to develop the skills required to achieve at the highest level."
Men's teams: Ireland, Great Britain, Pakistan, Canada
Women's teams: South Africa, Germany, Ireland, Great Britain
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