Twelve months ago Paul John’s side failed to qualify for the main draw at Skilled Park after losing to Argentina in pool play having disposed of Portugal and France.
On the second day of a disappointing competition, Wales were knocked out of the Bowl at the semi-final stage by Spain to earn just five points for their efforts.
With the competition increasing every year, Wales will be looking for a flying start when the campaign kicks off on October 12.
Despite having Fiji in their group, Wales will fancy their chances against the South Sea Islanders, having beaten them in Moscow in the Rugby World Cup in June.
As defending HSBC Sevens World Series champions, New Zealand head Pool A and will face Kenya, USA and regional qualifiers Tonga, who are the only non-core team.
Last season’s runners-up South Africa line up top of Pool B and face matches against a triumvirate of European challengers, England, France and Spain.
As the fourth-ranked team in 2012/13, the Samoans are the top seed in Pool D and face hosts Australia, Argentina and Scotland.
The IRB’s new General Manager for Rugby Sevens, Avan Lee, believes that the Gold Coast event marks the start of the three most important seasons for the sport.
“This is a pivotal time for Rugby Sevens with three years until our debut at the Olympic Games and the Gold Coast is an exciting and eye-catching place for the HSBC Sevens World Series to kick off,” said Lee.”
