Last year Wales sent two teams to the Rugby Sevens event and came away victorious. Among the winners that day was de Filippo who is currently playing at the highest level with Wales in the women’s RBS 6 Nations championship – and she is still just 18 years of age.
Wales are once again sending two teams to this year’s event and are offering all prospective players – who are currently in education – the opportunity of staking a claim for either side by impressing in one of two trials.
The Southern Trial will be held on the WRU 3G pitch at Wales’ base at the Vale Hotel on Tuesday 20th March while the Northern Trial will be staged atCaernarfon RFC on Thursday 22 March. (For futher details see below).
Wales National Performance Manager Sophie Bennett believes the competition provides an important part of the pathway for the U18s as it follows on from the U18s Regional XV competition.
“A Senior Wales 7s Programme is being re-introduced this season so this U18s competition will form the start of the performance pathway for 7s – so this presents a fantastic opportunity for players to be part of an Olympic event with Rio in 2016 being a realistic target,” she said.
“Rebecca’s development from last season proves that players canmake serious progression within our Pathway. We’ve also had Cerys Ballett, Rachel Rees and Jo Jones make the extended national squad so itproves beyond all reasonable doubt that this competition is a great stepping stone.”
Southern Trial
Date: Tuesday 20th March
Time: 6:30pm prompt start (6:15 to register) approx 8:30pm finish
Venue: WRU 3G (opposite the Blues building please note no access to changing rooms outside for the whole session), The Vale Hotel, Hensol CF72 8JY
Contact: Claire Wilson- Team Manager/ claire.wilson1066@live.co.uk/ 07875 709320
Northern Trial
Date: Thursday 22nd March
Time: 5:30pm prompt start (5:15 to register) approx 7:00pm finish
Venue: Caernarfon RFC
Contact: Jenny Davies- Team Manager/ jenny.davies@menai.ac.uk/ 07977 926233
Players can complete and e mail back APPLICATION FORM to the appropriate Team Manager. Because of the short notice the forms can be returned on the day (they must be signed) but if the player can e mail or text the Team Manager to confirm their attendance by Monday 19th March that would be appreciated.
All players must have been under the age of 18 but at least 15 on Sept 1st 2011 to qualify to trial.
