Rhys Edwards’ side went to Richmond last weekend having finished runners-up in Amsterdam and having been crowned Bournemouth Festival champions in consecutive weekends. The icing was added to the cake last weekend when Wales won the Rugby Rocks tournament by beating Wooden Spoon 22-17 in the final in their final preparation for the Grand Prix series ahead.
Edwards has used the three tournaments as preparation for the two legs of the Women’s Sevens FIRA/AER Sevens Grand Prix which kicks off this weekend in Moscow before heading to France next weekend where Brive will host the second leg.
“We’ve used 21 players in the three tournaments which has proven ideal preparation for FIRA. To pick up two tournament wins and finish runner-up in the other shows we now have strength in depth,” said Edwards.
“It’s taken two years to establish ourselves but it is pleasing to see the progress the girls have made in a relative short space of time at this level.
Edwards has named squad of 12 for the opening round of action with Nia Davies selected as captain.
“With the Women’s World Cup just a couple of months away for the 15-a-side game it is also a case of getting the balance right for the Sevens squad which is great as a development tool,” explained Edwards.
“I’ve really been impressed with Rhi Parker who has performed well, as has Chantelle Miller. And Nia Davies has been excellent as captain.
“She came into the Sevens squad last season and then forced her way into the Six Nations squad where she was the standout performer for Wales. This season in the Sevens she has kicked on again. It’s also great to see the likes of Laurie Harries, Elli Norkett, Nia Davies and Sian Williams from the Apprenticeship Programme gain selection.”
Wales, who finished ninth overall last season, will face France, Spain and Germany in a formidable group in Moscow and Edwards is fully aware his side have a tough mountain to climb.
“Spain are one of the top teams on the World Series while France are one of the better teams competing in Europe. It’s not going to be easy but we would like to break into a top six position but first and foremost we have to ensure we finish in the top 10 over the two legs as the bottom two teams get relegated.”
Wales Women’s Sevens squad
Laurie Harries
Rhiannon Parker
Elen Evans
Raf Taylor
Elinor Snowsill
Phil Tuttiett
Elli Norkett
Sioned Harries
Nia Davies (Captain)
Sian Williams
Chantelle Miller
Rachel Taylor
