Jason Forster Leads Wales’ Commonwealth Games Bid

Jason Forster will captain the Wales sevens squad in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester at the end of the month.
The Newport flanker will skipper a 12-man squad that includes internationals Rob Howley, Gareth Thomas, Dafydd James, Arwel Thomas, Matthew Robinson and Gareth Wyatt.
“We have picked a strong and talented squad with a good blend of those sevens specialists who have served us so well on the IRB circuit and the experience and all-round athleticism of those who have been tied to the 15-a-side game,” said manager David Rees.
“Provided we play to our potential, we can certainly challenge to be among the medals. Practice matches have been going well and we are all in a positive frame of mind.”
The squad will be coached by Colin Hillman, who said: “Our sevens expertise has developed hugely from touring the world over the season.
“We have played against all the nations taking part in the Commonwealth Games and know we are capable of competing at their levels. The fact that we are now respected on the circuit means that we are in that elite group from which the medallists will emerge.”
The Wales squad will take part in the opening ceremony on 25th July before returning to Wales to complete their preparations. They will move into the athletes’ village on 30th July.
Wales will play their first and second round group matches, against Sri Lanka and Tonga, on Friday, 2nd August, and complete their Pool matches with a clash against South Africa the following day. The semi-finals and final will be staged on 4th August.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for all of us lucky enough to be selected as the reputation and traditions of the Commonwealth Games means we will be part of a truly unique event,” said Forster.
“We are determined to play well, enjoy ourselves and make all of Wales proud of us.”
Wales Sevens Squad
Commonwealth Games 2002 – Manchester
Gareth BABER
Club: Pontypridd
DoB: 23.08.72
Height: 5’10” / 1.78m
Weight: 12st 7lb / 79kg
Jason FORSTER (captain)
Club: Newport
DoB: 25.02.71
Height: 6’0″ / 1.83m
Weight: 16st 0lb / 102kg
Gareth GRAVELL
Club: Newport
DoB: 23.10.80
Height: 5’9″ / 1.76m
Weight: 12st 10lb / 81kg
Robert HOWLEY
Club: London Wasps
DoB: 13.10.70
Height: 5’9″ / 1.76m
Weight: 13st 3lb / 84kg
Dafydd JAMES
Club: Bridgend
DoB: 24.07.75
Height: 6’3″ / 1.91m
Weight: 14st 5lb / 91kg
Emyr LEWIS
Club: Pontypridd
DoB: 21.07.76
Height: 6’2″ / 1.88m
Weight: 13st 10lb / 87kg
Craig RICHARDS
Club: Bridgend
DoB: 10.10.78
Height: 5’10” / 1.78m
Weight: 12st 7lb / 79kg
Matthew ROBINSON
Club: Swansea
DoB: 02.04.73
Height: 5’9″ / 1.75m
Weight: 13st 7lb / 86kg
Arwel THOMAS
Club: Swansea
DoB: 08.11.74
Height: 5’8″ / 1.73m
Weight: 11st 7lb / 73kg
Gareth THOMAS
Club: Bridgend
DoB: 25.07.74
Height: 6’2″ / 1.88m
Weight: 16st 3lb / 103kg
Gareth WILLIAMS
Club: Llanelli
DoB: 05.09.81
Height: 6’1″ / 1.86m
Weight: 13st 10lb / 87kg
Gareth WYATT
Club: Pontypridd
DoB: 04.03.77
Height: 5’10” / 1.78m
Weight: 12st 6lb / 79kg
Manager: David REES
Coach: Colin HILLMAN