Gloucester’s Aled Thomas is a surprise inclusion for the Wales Sevens squad taking part in round five of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Las Vegas.
Thomas was a key figure in Wales’s side which stunned the world in 2009 when Paul John’s side claimed the World Cup in Dubai against all odds.
The former Scarlets fly half last played on the sevens circuit in the final round of the 2009 competition where Wales reached the semi-finals of the Edinburgh leg of the world series. Six years on and Thomas will reacquaint himself with Will Harries, who was also in that squad.
After promising displays in the opening two rounds of the series, Wales have fallen off the pace in the last two tournaments in South Africa and New Zealand.
Jevon Groves’ side have settled in 10th place in the overall standings and on the back of a bitterly disappointing campaign in Wellington, Wales now find themselves in a daunting pool consisting of top seeds New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa which is undoubtedly the toughest group in the competition.
Thomas is delighted to be back playing for his country and is intending to enjoy every moment.
“I still have great memories of winning the World Cup in 2009 but to put the Wales jersey back on will be a very proud moment for me,” said Thomas.
“It will also be very special to me because since we won the World Cup, I now have a young family and they will be able to see me play for my country for the first time.”
Round 5, Las Vegas 13-15 Feb, Sam Boyd Stadium
Wales Sevens squad
Aled Thomas (Gloucester)
Jevon Groves (WRU Sevens)
Jason Harries (WRU Sevens)
Dan Fish (Cardiff Blues)
Will Harries (Ealing Trailfinders)
Luke Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Sam Cross (WRU Sevens)
Nicky Griffiths (WRU Sevens)
Craig Price (Scarlets)
Alex Webber (Wales 7s)
Lloyd Evans (Ospreys)
Tom Williams (Blues)
Aled Jenkins (Ospreys)
