Netball and men’s rugby 7s are the first team sports to be selected for a place in the Team Wales squad at next year’s Games, having met the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) qualification requirements.
The Welsh men’s rugby 7s side qualified as 8th Commonwealth nation in this year’s World Rugby Sevens Series.
Helen Phillips, Chair of the Commonwealth Games Wales Board which today ratified the selection decision said: “This is fantastic news, we’re absolutely thrilled that Welsh netball and the men’s rugby 7s squad have secured their place at next year’s Games.
“Qualifying for the Gold Coast Games is down to the hard work and dedication of the players, their coaches and support staff at Welsh Netball and the Welsh Rugby Union.
“Now that netball and men’s rugby 7s place in Team Wales is confirmed, we look forward to announcing other Welsh team sports over the coming months as they qualify for Gold Coast.”
Geraint John, the Welsh Rugby Union’s Head of Performance, said: “Competing in the Commonwealth Games is always a significant ambition for us, so we’re delighted to qualify for the Gold Coast next year. The game is going from strength to strength in Wales, and under head coach Gareth Williams and assistant coach Richie Pugh our national side has been achieving some very positive results with an exciting young group of players.
“Whilst displaying some excellent performances in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and in Rugby Europe this year, the team has also managed to increase its strength in depth, so I have no doubt they will provide a formidable challenge as part of Team Wales in 2018.”
Whilst team sports, weightlifting and para-sports places are determined by rankings, under a new Commonwealth Games Federation policy, individual athletes across other sports will be nominated by the National Governing Bodies based on eligibility and performance criteria.
Team Wales individual athlete selection will be made by Commonwealth Games Wales at the end of the year.
