Jones: ‘We’ll play our own game on Gold Coast’

Despite some strong performances last weekend – including a 47-5 win against Argentina – Wales went on to lose to South Africa in the quarter-final of the World Rugby Sevens Series Qualifier. “It was a devastating result for us,” says the 21-year-old, “but we’ve stuck together, picked each other up and ready to go against Australia in the Commonwealths this Friday.”
 
If there’s any comfort to be taken from their efforts in Hong Kong, it’s that Wales gave it their all. Jones says there are no regrets. “We couldn’t have done any more with the opportunities Wales have given us,” she says. “The amount of training we’ve been allowed to have and switching in and out from Six Nations to sevens camp. It’s been difficult, but with the tools that we had we’ve done really well.”
 
Part of the team’s recovery has been more emotional than physical, and they’ve been making the most of being at the Commonwealth Games, watching the hockey and athletics over the past two days. Friday is when the business starts in earnest, and their first match is against none other than hosts Australia – reigning Olympic champions, and the form team in women’s sevens this season.
 
“We’ve got nothing to lose, so we’re actually going in full of confidence,” Jones says, adding that her side are looking to show their x-factor on the Gold Coast. “We’ll be playing our own style, in the first ever women’s sevens tournament at the Games. We’ve had no pressure from our coach: he wants us to play our own game, to play what’s in front of us. I can’t wait, and the whole team is really excited.”
 
That’s good news for Team Wales, because they will be pitting themselves against three of the world’s top ten sides, with Pool B also featuring Fiji (fourth) and England (eighth) – all regulars on the World Series, which is ultimately where Nick Wakley’s team want to be.
 
The team suffered a double-blow this week with the news that captain Philippa Tuttiett and Alisha Butchers were being withdrawn due to injury. “They’re two big players for us, and it’s such a shame for them, but they’re working hard on their rehab now in order to be back in time for our next tournament in Paris in June.”
 
The pair’s misfortune is an opportunity for teenaged duo Beth Lewis and Lucy Packer: two players Jones knows well. “I used to go to school with Lucy in Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, and I’m uni in Hartpury with Beth now,” says Jones. “They’re two girls who have been brought up with this sport so they’ve got a rugby brain. It’s a great chance they’ve got now: no pressure, just go out and play.”
 
Jones, who is studying for a degree in physiotherapy, says Hartpury have been a huge help with her rugby ambitions. “I’ve missed exams and assessments to come out here, so they’ve delayed them and been really supportive with deadlines,” Jones says. “There’s no hassle there. Most of the England Sevens girls are there too, and a few of us Welshies, so they’re very helpful at dealing with these scenarios.”
 
Going straight from the Women’s Six Nations into sevens mode has been “pretty tough”, she admits, “but I just enjoy playing rugby. We train all the time, but playing is what we want to do. Out here on the Gold Coast it’ll be nice to play against different teams. Australia and Fiji don’t know us, and we don’t know them. Games like that could go one way or the other, which is great.”
 
Team Wales – Women’s Sevens Fixtures:
 
Friday 13th April – Australia v Wales (08:37 BST); Fiji v Wales (10:55)
Saturday 14th April – England v Wales (09:59)
 
The Commonwealth Games are being covered by BBC One and Two, BBC Radio 5 live and on the BBC Sport website. The Games section of the BBC Sport homepage will stream events that aren’t being aired on television.