Gwennan Hopkins, who was one of the captains for the successful Wales U18 side at the recent Six Nations festival, replaces Ffion Owen and joins her U18 team mate Nel Metcalfe and a number of other young players.
The squad is led by co-captains Ellie Morgan and Hannah Powell and despite a tough opening leg of the championship in Lisbon last weekend, Wakley believes the experience is already providing invaluable lessons for the players after a difficult few years for all.
He said, “Last weekend was a brilliant experience for us all. A few of the players had never played senior rugby so to play World Series sides like France and Poland was a real eye-opener but although no one is happy with the results, we produced some encouraging periods of play – especially against those stronger sides. Credit to Ellie (Morgan) and Hannah (Powell) for their strong and positive leadership throughout.”
Wales have another tough pool this weekend, starting with Scotland (12.22 BST) and France (4.02pm) today and Spain and Belgium tomorrow (Sat).
Wakley added, “It will be another big challenge this weekend, especially with a three-day tournament, but we have reviewed last weekend’s performances and the girls are progressing with every training session. We are on a journey and this is all fantastic game time ahead of the RWC qualification tournament next month. We have some real talent in the squad and there is no doubt that the experience of competing in two senior, Rugby Europe tournaments over consecutive weekends will stand these players in good stead for the future, both in 7s and 15-a-side rugby.”
Wales Sevens squad Krakow 7s:
Meg Davies (Bristol Bears), Sian Davies (Lampeter), Abbie Fleming (Exeter Chiefs), Emma Hennessy (Cheltenham Tigers), Gwennan Hopkins (Cardiff Quins), Nel Metcalfe (Nant Conwy), Ellie Morgan (Cardiff University), Lowri Norkett (Pontyclun Falcons), Anwen Owen (Nelson), Hannah Powell (Deri Diamonds), Seren Singleton (Cardiff Met), Lauren Smyth (Cardiff Met)
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