Wales will qualify for the World Cup, which takes place in Dubai in March, if they finish in the top six at this weekend’s event.
And although World Cup qualification is the first priority for the squad, Head Coach Jason Lewis admits that a semi-final place is within the squad’s sights.
He said, “We will be pleased to leave France this weekend having bagged a qualification spot for the Rugby World Cup Sevens, but we have also targetted a top four finish at this competition.”
Lewis has named a squad with a mixture of youth and experience for the tournament.
“We are missing some excellent Sevens players in Hayley Baxter, Rachel Poolman and Mel Berry”, said Lewis, “but on the up side, we have included three U20 players in Heledd Stephens, Aimee Young and Carys John which is encouraging for them and for the development of our squad.”
Wales face Moldova, Finland and Italy in the Pool stages on Saturday, with Spain or the Netherlands their potential quarter-final opponents if they finish in the top two of their Pool.
Lewis added: “By all accounts, Italy have been impressive in recent Sevens tournaments but we would be disappointed if we didn’t progress to the quarter-finals and hopefully further on Day Two.”
Wales Sevens squad: Clare Flowers, Jamie Kift, Louise Rickard, Catrin Edwards, Carys John, Amy Day, Naomi Thomas, Heledd Stephens, Non Evans, Aimee Young
