The team heads into the third round of Rugby Europe’s Grand Prix Series on the back of a confidence-inspiring fourth-place finish in Poland earlier this month. A relentless start saw Wales emerge unbeaten on the opening day in the city of Lodz, notching up wins against England (29-14), Italy (22-7) and eventual overall winners Russia (24-7).
On the second day, they faced a German side which had put 30 points on them just seven days earlier. It was a result Wales put to bed in emphatic fashion, winning 26-7. “It was a challenge for us to step up and see how far we’d come along in the week,” Pugh explains. “We were winning our kick-offs, keeping the ball well and taking our chances, which was something we didn’t do quite as well in Poland.
“What was pleasing was how the new guys like Chay Smith, Elliot Frewen, Cai Devine and Joe Jenkins were all making positive contributions as well. Things like winning our kick-offs might seem like a small improvement, but it can be the difference between coming tenth and fourth, and they really put themselves out about in those areas.”
Cardiff and Vale College’s Dafydd Smith has also caught the eye of the coaches this term. The 18-year-old reinforced his star performances for CAVC at Rosslyn Park and Urdd 7s with a mature display in Poland.
The task in Lodz had been made tougher by the loss of captain Lloyd Evans in only the second game of the tournament, meaning the likes of Stef Andrews and Ethan Davies stepping up to the plate.
“We picked up a few bumps and had some tired boys by the time of the semi-final against Spain, which played a part in the result,” he says of the 26-17 reverse. “There was a lot of game time for the new players, but this competition is a good learning curve and to finish fourth was huge for them.”
Pugh also points to the impact of the Principality Premiership players in the squad as a plus point for Wales: “They’ve really put their hands up and are getting better and better with each tournament, which is great for us as we look to build strength in depth and competition for places.”
That trend looks likely to continue this weekend, with RGC 1404 fullback Afon Bagshaw coming into the squad this weekend. “Afon has shown his quality for RGC this year. He played in Rugby Europe a few years back, so this is another opportunity for him and just reward for his Premiership form.”
Adding further steel to the side in Clermont are Luke Treharne – who returns following the conclusion of his medical studies – and Will Thomas, who has previous experience with Wales on the World Series circuit. “Luke has now gained his medical degree, which is great news, and it’s really good to be bringing in somebody of his experience,” says Pugh. “Bringing in Will from Rotherham means we’ve got another quality player our young boys can learn from.”
Wales will face Italy, Belgium and Ireland in their pool this weekend. The Rugby Europe live stream, and all information on the tournament, can be found here.
Wales Sevens Squad for Clermont
Chay Smith (Newport)
Cai Devine (Durham University)
Max George (Cross Keys/Penallta)
Owen Jenkins (c) (Wales Sevens)
Joe Jenkins (Swansea)
Luke Treharne (Wales Sevens)
Ethan Davies (Wales Sevens)
Will Thomas (Rotherham)
Dafydd Smith (Cardiff and Vale College)
Afon Bagshaw (RGC 1404)
Lloyd Lewis (Dragons)
Elliot Frewen (Newport)
Grand Prix gains for Wales Sevens
Wales Sevens assistant coach Richie Pugh says he’s been impressed by the attitude of his young squad as they gear up for a trip to Clermont this weekend.
