The Welsh side defeated Spain 21-17 to claim third to secure an overall series position of fifth. Considering sides like France and England stack their sides with World Series players, Wales can be pleased with their progress.
Lithuania were defeated 28-14 while Italy were brushed aside in a hard fought encounter 19-17. Wales then lost to eventual tournament winners France (33-14) in their final pool game.
Marshalled superbly by rising talent Will Thomas, Wales struck back to beat Scotland 31-14 in the quarter-final before losing to Portugal 21-17 in the semi-final. However skipper James Davies rallied his troops and with the likes of Tom Williams and Jason Harris also catching the eye, the challenge of Spain was repelled for Wales to finish on a high note.
Wales assistant coach Gareth Williams was delighted to see his young side produce some impressive performances, particularly on the second day of action.
“Day two was a huge step up for the boys where the level of opposition was something they may not have come across before,” he said: “The boys stood up to the challenge and played some superb rugby to ensure we claimed out best ever finish in the series.
“Having come fourth in Lyon in the first of the three-event series, which was our previous best position, before coming seventh in Moscow – to finish third against a high quality field is a great achievement for our boys.
“This series has been a useful exercise for us as it has given exposure at international level to a number of players and it gives us a chance as a management group to identify players for the next step which is the IRB World Series.”
Wales squad: James Davies (Carmarthen Quins), Craig Attwel (Newport), Alec Jenkins (Llanelli), Jason Harris (Carmarthen Quins), James Benjamin (Dragons Academy), Warren Fury (Unattached), Will Thomas (Core Sevens), Joe Griffin (Blues Academy), Luke Williams (Cross Keys), Rhys Thomas (Carmarthen Quins), Tom Williams (Blues), Geraint Walshe (Pontypridd).
Final standings – FIRA European Sevens Grand Prix Series 2012
1. England
2. Portugal
3. France
4. Spain
5. Wales
6. Russia
7. Scotland
8. Georgia
9. Ukraine
10. Italy
11. Germany
12. Netherlands
