East Grinstead are out to prove they are worthy champions of England.

The Saint Hill club claimed the national title a fortnight ago to qualify for next season’s EuroHockey League.

They are already through to the knockout stages of this season’s competition and take on French champions Saint Germain in a last 16 clash in Hamburg today.

The winners will progress to a quarter-final on Sunday against either HC Bloemendaal or Cannock.

German international Martin Haener ends his year-long stay with East Grinstead this weekend before returning to home club Berlin and manager Matt Jones hopes they can make it a weekend to remember.

He said: “We haven’t had too much time to savour our tremendous achievement of winning the national league because we know there is a job to be done in Europe.

“The players want to do themselves justice and prove why we are national champions.

“We know we will be in the EHL next year so it is vital to learn as much as we can about competing at this level.

“It will be tough because Saint Germain are unbeaten this year but we have a fantastic opportunity to reach the last eight in Europe if we can play to the best of our ability for 70 minutes.

“We have the ability in our squad although Saint Germain will be in similar mood.

“We feel we have a very good chance. We are certainly not here to make up the numbers.”

Grinstead are at full strength, including the return of David Cresswell from injury.

Today’s last 16 match starts at 11am and is being screened live on Eurosport2.