New head coach Darren Edwards, taking charge for the first time in a competition, saw his young side claim four wins from six matches in Alicante (see results below).​ Those defeats were to Scotland and hosts Spain, both of whom Wales will look forward to facing again on the World Series, whilst there were good results against Russia and China, who are knocking on the door of qualification to the top flight.
A predominantly youthful side – including four new faces and a number of this year’s Wales U20 players – benefited from the experienced likes of Treharne and Ben Roach. “It was a good first challenge for us as a new team,” said Treharne, whose talents were recently on show at the inaugural RugbyX​. “There are lots of positives to take away and some work-ons before Dubai.”
That season opener will take place on the first weekend of December, allowing Edwards to fine-tune his approach ahead of the world-famous event in the desert.
“It was a really good opportunity for Darren as a new coach,” Treharne said. “He’s been able to set the foundations for us as a team, which is crucial with an intense season on the horizon where tournaments come thick and fast.”
Wales squad at Elche 7s: Core Players – Luke Treharne, Ben Roach, Cameron Lewis, Cai Devine, Alex Grey, Dafydd Smith, Jay Jones Cardiff Blues – Rhys Davies Dragons – Joe Goodchild, Rio Dyer, Tom Hoppe Ospreys – Ben Cambriani, Caine Woolerton Swansea University – Brandon Wood.
Wales’ Elche 7s Results:
Wales 22-12 Russia
Wales 31-26 China
Spain 20-12 Wales
Scotland 29-12 Wales
Wales 33-12 China
Wales 26-5 Spanish Barbarians
