Wales face Commonwealth Games gold medal winners South Africa, Kenya and American Samoa in their pool matches with the 19-year-old Cilfynydd-born Smith playing in the unfamiliar role of hooker.
The Blues academy player has rapidly risen through the ranks as a strong running centre and has already represented his country at Under 18 and Under 20 level. But this weekend he will be competing against players who are vastly experienced on the sevens circuit whereas you can count the amount of tournaments he has played in the shorter form of the game, on one hand.
“I can’t wait to get going – it’s going to be a great experience,” said Smith on the eve of the first game.
“I haven’t played a lot of Sevens – I played recently in Bucharest with Wales but playing in Australia is going to be totally different as we’ll be playing against bigger and better teams.”
Smith, who plays his club rugby with Pontypridd, added: “This is my first year of sevens so there is a lot to learn. Playing hooker is a lot different to playing centre – I’m having to learn my role there but it is something I am enjoying and now I’m just looking forward to playing.”
Looking ahead to the opening round of the series, Smith added: “Going forward we need to keep working hard and win as many games as possible – we’ve got to try and get through the group stages and hopefully we can then do well in the Cup competition on day two.
“I just want to go out and just enjoy it and try and work as hard as I can for the team.”
Wales Sevens squad for Gold Coast
11-12 October, Gold Coast
Jevon Groves (WRU/Cardiff Blues – Captain)
Craig Price (Scarlets)
Jason Harries (WRU 7s/Camarthen Quins)
Sion Bennett (Scarlets)
Garyn Smith (Cardiff Blues/Pontypridd)
Luke Treharne (Exeter University)
Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues/Pontypridd)
Will Harries (Ealing)
Tom Williams (Cardiff Blues)
Alex Webber (WRU 7s/Pontypridd)
Luke Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Rhodri Davies (Scarlets/Llandovery)
