Former Carmarthen Quins and Wales Sevens player, Scarlets flanker James Davies made the draw, along with his brother, Wales, Lions and Clermont Auvergne centre Jonathan, and Wales Sevens captain Jevon Groves.
Last year’s finalists, Pontypridd, have been drawn against Wales Students in Round One, while current Plate holders Llanelli face Cross Keys in a bid to reach the Cup quarter-finals this time around.
Last year’s Cup semi-finalists Bridgend and Aberavon take on Bedwas and Neath respectively while in the remaining Round One fixtures, Swansea face old rivals Cardiff, RGC 1404 play Newport and Ebbw Vale play Welsh Exiles who replaced Bargoed in the draw after the Championship side didn’t take up their place in the competition.
The Scarlets will play the Ospreys and the Dragons will play the Blues in the inaugural Radler Women’s 7s which will take place on the same day.
Tickets for the Foster’s National 7s are currently on sale. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets. Tickets also available from participating clubs, to personal callers at the WRU Ticket Office, 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff or by calling the WRU customer care team on 02920 822432.
Llandovery v Carmarthen Quins will kick off a whole day’s top class sevens rugby at 10am, with the cup final set to kick off at 7.20pm.Ticket prices for the whole day event are unchanged with adult tickets £10 and £5 for under 16s. The family offer is also available at £20 for 2 adults and 2 under 16s.
James Davies said, “I owe a lot to sevens rugby. I was playing in the Principality Premiership for Carmarthen Quins and had a chance to play for Wales Sevens and it is through that channel that I have gained a professional contract with the Scarlets.
“There are no second chances in sevens. Everything is played out in focus whether it’s in attack or defence so it’s great for skill levels and playing on the international circuit is a fantastic experience for anyone.”
Wales Sevens head coach Gareth Williams added, “The Foster’s 7s is the perfect time for players to show what they are capable of, both in terms of getting into our minds as Wales Sevens selectors and coaches and with their Premiership season just around the corner. There is the small matter of rugby sevens being part of the Olympic Games next year, so from a player’s and fan’s objective, the Foster’s 7s will be just the ticket to get into the swing of the sport.”
Will Thomas, representing champions Llandovery, and a Wales Sevens international said, “The Foster’s 7s gives us players the chance to throw the ball around and show what we can do. A number of our players have international sevens experience including Lee Rees so hopefully that will help us on the day. We know there will be some pressure on us as champions, but it’s just a great day out for players and fans.”
Wales Women’s Sevens head coach Richie Pugh said, “It is fantastic to have a women’s sevens competition alongside the men to show everyone what they are capable of. Our national sevens squad will have just returned from the final World Series qualifying tournament in Dublin and we will use the day for identification and selection looking ahead at next season.”
WRU Foster’s National 7s 2015
Round One matches:
Llandovery v Carmarthen Quins
Ebbw Vale v Welsh Exiles
Llanelli v Cross Keys
Bedwas v Bridgend
Aberavon v Neath
RGC 1404 v Newport
Swansea v Cardiff
Welsh Students v Pontypridd
Radler Women’s 7s Round One matches:
Scarlets v Ospreys
Dragons v Blues
