The Wales Sevens squad spent three days at a training camp at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire this week, and were humbled on a visit to Headley Court where they met some injured Welsh servicemen and toured their rehabilitation facilities

Wales Sevens team manager Dai Jenkins said: “We went to RAF Halton as part of our preparation for the Commonwealth Games. We were able to replicate some of the tournament schedules by playing against the RAF Sevens team early in the morning, analysing that game and playing again later in the morning.

“It was a very special honour and privilege to visit Headley Court. We met a number of Welsh soldiers who are going through the rehabilitation process, watching what happens in their rebab and it was a great honour for the team that the commanding officer of Headley Court invited us there, seeing the process those boys go through and how they come out the other side – its certainly sets a bench mark for us.”

Steve Owen of the First Battalion Royal Welsh was one of the soldiers who me the Wales Sevens players. He said, “I was hit by an IED during a vehicle patrol in Afghanistan in February. I suffered injuries to my head and legs which have caused complications since my return and this is my second stay at Headley Court. We do a lot of upper body fitness work and receive a lot of physio to help strengthen our legs, along with occupational therapy and social work. My aim is to return as a fully fighting soldier as soon as possible.

“It’s been great to see the Wales players – some of the coaching staff were from my home town of Cardigan. I’m a massive Welsh fan and I’m hoping to go to some of the games in November.”

Wales Sevens player Jevon Groves said, “It’s been a fantastic experience for all the boys, it really puts rugby into perspective. Some of the soldiers have suffered horrific injuries and yet they are very mentally tough. Hopefully we can absorb some of that strength and take it into our rugby at the Commonwealth Games.”

Dai Jenkins added: “Delhi is not typical of most venues, it will obviously be very hot, and we will be living in the games village with thousands of other athletes in an unfamiliar city.

“However, we’re looking forward to it, the group has bonded well, we’ve got some experienced players and it’s also good to see some new blood coming through.”

The squad will complete its preparations by playing against Scotland next week in full contact games.

Wales Sevens head coach Paul John will announce the Wales Commonwealth Games squad later this month ahead of the commonwealth Games in Delhi in October.