Butchers back for Series finale

Invitational side Wales have been drawn with Ireland, England and New Zealand in the final round of the World Rugby Sevens Series (8th-10th June) – their first appearance in the elite competition. The women return to Paris after competing at the Centrale Sevens tournament a fortnight ago. 

The competition at the Stade Jean-Bouin – the home of Stade Français – see the return of Alisha Butchers and Elinor Snowsill (after injury and unavailability respectively).

“This World Series is a great test for our squad which is ever-decreasing in average age,” said Wakley, whose departure was announced last week. “Eighteen-year-old Alex Callender really impressed in Centrale and deserves an opportunity to test herself at this level.

“Alisha Butchers had a challenging time over the Commonwealth Games and World Series Qualifier with injury, but has shown fantastic commitment to training and rehab to return to fitness for this.

“As this will be my last tournament for Wales Women Sevens, I hope we can build on our performances at the end of the Commonwealth Games, and really look to express ourselves as a team. I firmly believe there are better things to come for this group of players, and it fills me with hope with the new crop of youngsters we are exposing to this elite level.”

Wakley added: “I will feel absolute pride in the job I’ve done and in my players over the two years and I believe I have left the programme in a better place.”

Wales Women Sevens: Alex Callender, Alisha Butchers, Beth Lewis, Elinor Snowsill, Gemma Rowland, Hannah Jones, Jasmine Joyce, Jess Kavanagh-Williams, Kayleigh Powell, Lucy Packer, Shona Powell-Hughes, Sian Williams (c), Niamh Terry.

The Paris Sevens will be shown live on Sky Sports, while there are minute-by-minute updates of each game on the World Rugby Sevens Series app.