Craig Evans from Glynneath and Adam Jones (Gwernyfed) have been named in the two squads for the men’s and women’s series after serving their apprenticeship in the domestic set up and tournaments organised by Rugby Europe.
Both men are regular match officials in the Principality Premiership and National leagues and have also represented their country in age grade tournaments and the British & Irish Cup.
“Both young men have come through our academy programme and were identified at an early age as two referees with huge potential,” said Whitehouse. “The hard work that they have put in over the last two or three years has paid dividends and the selection to the series is richly deserved.”
He added: “The growth and profile of the sevens format since the Olympics in Rio this year is continually rising and hopefully Craig and Adam will go from strength to strength and work toward selection for the Commonwealth Games, 7s RWC and hopefully the Olympics in 2020 in Japan”.
In June this year, 24-year-old Evans was one of the nine referees at the Junior World Cup in Manchester and Jones toured Soith Africa with the Welsh Under 18s.
Evans, who is a full time referee with the WRU, said of his selection: “I have been working hard for this opportunity and this will be hugely beneficial as part of my development moving forward. The support I have received from the union and the referees department has been outstanding.”
Jones, who has recently graduated from Cardiff Met, added: “I have been given a fantastic opportunity to be part of the world series in both the men’s and women’s tournaments and am really looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
Evans will referee in six of the 10 men’s tournaments and Jones will referee two of the men’s series and four of the women’s.
