Wales raced over for 51 tries from their seven games in last weekend’s European Qualifier staged in Sofia, Bulgaria with Caryl James leading the way with 16 touchdowns.
Having swept through the weekend’s tournament without conceding a point, Wales easily qualified for the Rugby World Cup qualifying tournament to be held in Moscow later this month.
Going into last weekend’s crucial tournament 12 European teams with established sides and seedings had already qualified for Moscow (namely England, Spain, Netherlands, Russia, France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Moldova, Ukraine and Switzerland.)
Croatia will now join Wales along with Ireland and Scotland who qualified from the other pre-qualifying event in Belgium.
Wales crushed Denmark 35-0 before brushing Andorra aside 55-0. Bosnia & Herzegovina were humbled 75-0 while Austria had no answer to Wales’ pace and precision, losing 42-0. In the final pool game Wales defeated Croatia 31-0.
With Elinor Snowsill, who was voted player of the tournament, masterminding Wales’ relentless march towards qualification with measured performances, reading the game expertly and putting other players in space, Wales strolled to a 46-0 semi-final victory over Romania before defeating Croatia 49-0 in the final to earn qualification for Moscow.
“The girls have really taken a big step forward with qualification,” said Team Manager Sophie Bennett. “We had three warm-up tournaments to prepare for the weekend and qualification is a massive lift for the girls.
“We will be seeded 13th out of 16 teams in Moscow and will be coming up against teams where Sevens is high on their agenda like Spain and the Netherlands along with England and Russia.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge but the girls are looking forward to it,” she added.
Paul John, head coach of the Wales senior men also paid tribute to Wales women.
“Congratulations to the Women’s Sevens team who won the tournament in Bulgaria without conceding a point. To get a place in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Moscow is a huge achievement and it will be great to see them plays as we will be playing in a FIRA tournament at the same time.”
Wales squad in Bulgaria: Rachel Taylor, Jade Phillips, Sian Williams, Delyth Davies, Nia Davies, Rebecca de Filippo, Elinor Snowsill, Rachel Rees, Philippa Tuttiett, Elen Evans, Caryl James, Charlie Murray
