Wales opted out of international sevens rugby after two years of staging the final round of the IRB’s prestigious series, but Wales U21 and Newport coach Dai Rees has been charged with reestablishing Welsh credentials in the opening two rounds of the world series and at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
“We have got a great blend of youth and experience in our squad and it will be fantastic for these players to mix with some of the greatest sevens players in the world,” said Rees. “We couldn’t have asked for a tougher return to the world sevens stage. We have been pooled with the reigning Rugby World Cup holders Fiji and Samoa in Dubai and then the IRB Series champions New Zealand and Argentina in George.
“The Welsh regions have all bought into our return to the sevens arena and we have been given a talented group of players. Richie Pugh will lead the side and we also have capped players in Tal Selley and Rhys Oakley.
“The great thing about sevens rugby at this level is that it can teach something to everyone. The younger players will be able to find out first hand just how quick and skilful the top sevens exponents are, while the older players can also hone their skills.
“Sevens rugby presents different challenges to players. You have to learn to handle the ball at pace, play at an exhaustive level if you are a forward and learn how to attack space.
“I’ve been studying a lot of videos of the recent IRB Series and the pace and power of the top teams is incredible. No wonder countries like New Zealand and Australia have been able to use the world sevens circuit as a breeding ground for their young talent.
“Our preparation for Dubai and George has been limited and we’ve had a few issues. We lost last season’s Wales U19 flier Darren Daniel with a knee injury and English-based Andy Williams (Bath) and Rhodri Gomer Davies (Northampton Saints) were unable to secure release from their clubs.
“These two tournaments are all able preparing for the Commonwealth Games next year, although the squad we take to Australia won’t contain anyone invited in the RBS Six Nations or U21 Six Nations.
“But whichever way you look at it, Wales returning to the world sevens fold is a positive step and one which can only benefit those players who make the trips.”
Now in its seventh season, the IRB World Series has seen Welsh involvement three times previously – in years two, three and four. In those series Wales used 68 players and won two lesser titles.
Rees’s men will have to contend with Samoa, Fiji and Tunisia in Dubai and New Zealand, Argentina and Kenya in George.
