The home side will make their third attempt at securing qualification for next year's European Championships in Budapest after finishing third in both their previous qualification tournaments.

They will be joined by Slovenia, Israel, Moldova and Russia, who will go into the tournament as slight favourites due to their world ranking of 17, ahead of Britain in 21st.

Alan Booth, chair of the management committee who run the men's game in the UK, said: "This is the first opportunity the GB Men's Water Polo Group have had to host an international event and we are well placed to secure a place in the next stage of the qualifying process for the European Championships next year.

"We hope to have some help from an enthusiastic home crowd.


Britain have finished third at their past two attempts at gaining qualification for thre 2014 European Championships

"The North East has a reputation as great sports enthusiasts and we hope that many of them will be at the Sunderland pool to cheer on the GB Men.

"This will be a chance for water polo supporters to see some of the players who played in the Olympic Games in London and to see some of the men who play their water polo for clubs around Europe.

"We are looking forward to introducing international water polo to many people who may not previously have had the opportunity to watch.

"I hope there will be some future GB players in the crowd seeing what a fast and exciting sport water polo can be."

Further information on the event including ticket details will follow in due course.

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