Pugh impressed after Moscow display

Although they missed out on the hunt for top-tier honours due to points difference, Wales went on to win the Challenge Trophy in Russia, beating Sweden 26-17.
 
A bright start on Saturday saw them pull off an excellent 21-14 win against England, with tries from Chay Smith, Corey Howells and Mike Wilson. Victory came at a cost, however, with both Howells boys (Bevan and Corey) suffering injuries that ruled them out of the remainder of the competition.
 
“Those injuries really tested the durability of the squad, because we only had ten players to work with after that,” explained Pugh. “The standard of Rugby Europe is very high, what with it being a qualifying tournament for the World Series, so the way the team reacted to losing those two was impressive.”
 
Wales were one of only three sides in Russia that fielded a development team – the others being England and Spain – which provided a good pressure situation for a team predominantly made up of newcomers.
 
The wet conditions in Moscow weren’t conducive to typical sevens rugby either, which itself posed another challenge to the young team. “It was difficult to get into a sevens structure,” said Pugh, “but it did show us the measure of the boys’ mindset and attitude, and they excelled on those fronts.”
 
Wales beat Georgia 26-7 on their way to the Challenge Trophy final, and when they received two yellow cards early on, it was clear the biggest acid test had been saved till last. “We saw really good character from the boys to overcome that,” Pugh said. “Afon Bagshaw, Chay Smith and Jacob Flynn had to take on a leadership role that they’re unaccustomed to, but they’ve gained valuable experience on the World Series this year which has helped them.
 
“They stepped up to the mark, and I couldn’t have asked more of them. The younger, inexperienced boys fed off that, giving them confidence to go out and play.”
 
Pugh added that teenager Jay Jones, in his first senior competition, “didn’t look out of place – he was excellent. Max Cunnington showed a really positive impact coming off bench, and Toby Fricker was full of confidence coming off the back of his Premiership award [for Best Newcomer] earlier in the week.”
 
The coach also highlighted the efforts of Mike Wilson, a Cardiff Met sprinter, in both attack and defence. Wilson made his international sevens debut in Las Vegas in March, alongside Aberavon teammate Flynn.
 
What’s next for these promising youngsters? “The boys will help the senior players prepare for the London Sevens in two weekends’ time, whilst also potentially putting their hands up for selection for Twickenham,” said Pugh. “Then they’ll be back for the next leg of the Grand Prix Series in Marcoussis at the end of June.”
 
Wales Sevens – Moscow Squad: Chay Smith (Newport) Gethin Davies (Scarlets) Afon Bagshaw (c) (RGC) Corey Howells (Cardiff Blues) Toby Fricker (Ebbw Vale) Jacob Flynn (Aberavon) Bevan Howells (Cowbridge) Iwan Evans (Neath) Matthew Powell (Cross Keys) Jay Jones (Glantaf) Mike Wilson (Aberavon) Max Cunnington (Cardiff and Vale College)