Head Coach Rhys Edwards has selected a squad with just two players from last year’s squad returning for this year’s tournament, Melissa Clay and captain Sian Williams.
Last year Keira Bevan and Jasmine Joyce used the tournament as a launch pad to their international careers and Edwards is hopeful a new crop of players can do likewise when his side tackle Tuks Ladies, West Coast Vikings and France Development on Thursday in pool play.
Former Wales Under 18s captain Alisha Butchers competes in her first senior national pathway competition alongside Sinead Breeze who is also making her international bow.
Included in the squad is Gemma Rowlands who earlier this week was named Army Sportswoman of the Year. Robyn Wilkins is back to full fitness and looking to use this event as a springboard into the Six Nations while Kerin Lake plays in her first 7s tournament having returned to international action last season when playing in the Six Nations.
Hannah Jones (shoulder) is a notable absence due to injury. Jones has been in top club and regional form this year but Edwards believes she is one to keep an eye on in for the Six Nations.
“This is a very exciting group of players going to Dubai this year they have shown the commitment and application in training needed to compete at this level,” said Edwards.
“This tournament is going to be a great opportunity for players like Sinead and Alisha to show what they can do at this level against some very difficult opposition. I have been very impressed with the attitude and the competition for places during this short training programme.”
Wales Women’s 7s squad
Jess Kavanagh (Caernarfon/Scarlets)
Sinead Breeze (Skewen/Ospreys)
Kerin Lake (Skewen/Ospreys)
Robyn Wilkins (Llandaff North/Ospreys)
Ffion Bowen (Maesteg Celtic/Ospreys)
Sian Williams (Worcester/Dragons – Capt)
Beth Dainton (Bristol/Dragons)
Alisha Butchers (Penybanc/Scarlets)
Rhian Nokes (Maesteg Celtic/Ospreys)
Elen Evans (Caernarfon/Scarlets)
Gemma Rowland (Wasps/Dragons)
Melissa Clay (Pencoed/Ospreys)
