The Commonwealth Games was Adam Thomas’ swan song as skipper before taking up a regional contract with Cardiff Blues. His departure has seen experienced campaigner Jevon Groves handed the captaincy for the 2014/15 crusade.
Groves has plenty of Sevens experience behind him, having played 20 tournaments on the World Series before taking up regional rugby with Newport Gwent Dragons. He returned to Sevens action after a three-year absence for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer.
Wales Sevens head coach Gareth Williams had no hesitation in naming the seasoned campaigner as his lieutenant.
“Jevon is a natural leader. He’s very intelligent in his rugby judgement and he is the perfect role model for the younger guys in the group,” he said.
“We’ve got a number of fresh faces in the Sevens programme and Jevon’s experience will be crucial to the development of the squad as the season unfolds.”
Groves is delighted to be back in the Sevens fold and is also excited at the prospect of combining his Sevens career alongside his new region, Cardiff Blues, having left the Dragons at the end of last season.
“Going back to Sevens is a challenge for me and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” said Groves.
“We have a great mixture of experience and youth within the squad and we just have to make sure we hit the ground running in Australia and attack the first day with all guns blazing.
“We’ve got a tough group with South Africa, Kenya and American Samoa, but the boys have done really well in training and I’m excited about our prospects this season.”
Wales Sevens squad for Gold Coast
11-12 October, Gold Coast
Jevon Groves (WRU/Cardiff Blues – Captain)
Craig Price (Scarlets)
Jason Harries (WRU 7s/Camarthen Quins)
Sion Bennett (Scarlets)
Garyn Smith (Cardiff Blues/Pontypridd)
Luke Treharne (Exeter University)
Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues/Pontypridd)
Will Harries (Ealing)
Tom Williams (Cardiff Blues)
Alex Webber (WRU 7s/Pontypridd)
Luke Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Rhodri Davies (Scarlets/Llandovery)
