The 19-year-old from the Mumbles had been in and around the Wales U20 set-up earlier in the season, having starred in two Wales U18 victories against England last year.
“Richie Pugh rang the Ospreys and asked if I was available,” says Cambriani of how the call-up came from the Wales Sevens head coach. “I was chuffed. To go and compete in somewhere like Vancouver is an incredible opportunity for a player my age.
“Vancouver was mad, a real party atmosphere. Every time you score the crowd goes wild.”
Pugh describes the youngster as a “powerful, fast and dynamic player​”, having seen his performances for Swansea, and Ospreys in the A League. For his part, Cambriani displayed those threats in Canada, scoring tries against overall winners South Africa, Japan, and Australia.
“I’ve loved every moment of being with the sevens,” says Cambriani – not that it’s been a stroll in the park for the teenager. Far from it. “The last time I played sevens I was 15, so my reintroduction to the game was a shock to the system,” he says. “The fitness and the intensity of it was on another level to what I’ve experienced. After that first training session my legs were killing me!”
Swansea fans – or indeed, league fans of a certain generation – will recognise the Cambriani name, following the cross-code exploits of dad Adrian. According to those in the know, the apple has not fallen far from the tree in terms of playing style.
Watch Ben Cambriani’s well-taken try against Australia in Vancouver.
“I’ve definitely learnt so much in the short time I’ve been with the sevens. My game’s improved no end, and these are things I’ll take back to 15s.”
Arriving in camp at a relatively late stage of the season meant feeling a slight apprehension. “Because the squad has been together for a few months already, I was a bit nervous about coming in,” he admits. “But it’s like a family here and the boys really made me feel welcome. Things like that have made the experience that much better for me.”
The aim for Cambriani is to continue to be exposed to the intensity of the World Rugby Sevens Series for the remainder of the season, with legs in Hong Kong (5-7 April) and Singapore (13-14 April) next up.
He says, “I just want to crack on and train well, then hopefully get a seat on that plane to Hong Kong.”
