Wales excited about 7s challenge
Wales women's Sevens coach Rhys Edwards says this weekend's Grand Prix Series opener in Brive is a great chance for his players to lay down a marker for the future.
Published by Alison Donnelly, May 31st, 2013
3 minute read
The two day competition in Brive, France, is made up of the 12 best teams in Europe and will be followed by the second leg in Marbella on the weekend of June 15thand 16th.
Wales are up against Russia, Netherlands, England, Portugal and Germany and built up to the tournament with an outing at the Bournemouth Sevens last weekend.
“These two tournaments are a great opportunity to expose players to international rugby against some of the best teams in the world,” he said.
“The key is to do that whilst still focusing on developing the fundamental skills and game understanding of the players in our squad.”
Once the pool stages are complete, the tournament divides into a cup, plate and bowl format with the sides finishing in the bottom two places relegated to the Series A competition for next year.
While Wales have not qualified for the Sevens World Cup in Moscow, WRU Women’s Performance Manager Sophie Bennett added that there was confidence about the squad.
“It’s exciting to have the Sevens programme back up and running and to be included in the Grand Prix Series,” she said.
“It’s great to see some of our younger players coming through the regional development programmes and using Sevens as a stepping stone to the full international programme. Hopefully it will help to produce players for the upcoming Six Nations and ultimately, the 2014 World Cup.”
The side is captained by Elinor Snowswill who was a standout performancer on the south coast last weekend and Wales will look to her to provide real exprience to the side while Elen Evans (pictured) will also be an important leader.
Young Pencoed playmaker Robyn Wilkins is another who has impressed head coach Edwards recently while Sioned Harries, who is an experienced international in the full form of the game, could be one to watch in the pack in what is her first full season playing sevens.
Wales Squad:Amy Day (Cardiff Quins), Rhiannon Parker (Bristol Ladies), Elen Evans (Waterloo), Rafique Taylor (Pontyclun), Elinor Snowsill, (Captain - Bristol Ladies), Philippa Tuttiett (Cardiff Quins), Robyn Wilkins (Pencoed), Sioned Harries (Cardiff Quins), Nia Davies (Cardiff Met), Dyddgu Hywel (Bristol Ladies), Charlie Murray (Neath Athletic), Carys Phillips (Cardiff Met).