“I’m really excited with this group as we have a great blend of youth, experience and x-factor,” says head coach Nick Wakley. “Robyn Wilkins gets her first opportunity in a sevens tournament after impressing in training, and the fleet-footed Lucy Packer will be included to show off her evasion and finishing skills from wing.”
There is also a call-up for Beth Lewis, who captained Team Wales to bronze at the recent Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas. Meanwhile, experienced sevens campaigners such as Jaz Joyce, a member of Team GB Sevens in Rio last year, and Sian Williams, who this month led the UK Armed Forces against a Wales Women Development team, are both included.
“As holders of the title, we’re really looking forward to Dubai this year,” Wakley says. “However, this group of players are in a different stage of evolution. The girls were looking to make a statement last year, but this year it’s part of our Commonwealth Games prep, so there’s a real buzz and a bit of pressure for the players to perform.”
Dubai represents one of a handful of opportunities the team will have to compete before the 2018 Commonwealth Games – which will take place on Australia’s Gold Coast – with Tribe Sevens in Brisbane and a World Rugby Sevens Series qualifier to play before April.
Wearing the new sevens kit, they will come up against the likes of Poland and Russia in the famous UAE tournament and, with Wales Women’s ‘One Programme’ approach, Wakley has selected a number of players who were recently in action at fifteen-a-side level in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
For the full list of Dubai fixtures, click here.
Wales Women Sevens squad (Dubai): Sian Williams; Gemma Rowland; Alisha Butchers; Shona Powell-Hughes; Robyn Wilkins; Kayleigh Powell; Rhiannon Parker; Elinor Snowsill; Laurie Harries; Hannah Jones; Jaz Joyce; Lucy Packer; Beth Lewis.
