Coach Jonathan Hooper is confident the Wales women’s sevens squad can make an impact at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
A 14-strong squad, including two non-travelling reserves to be named later, has been announced for the Games in the Bahamas in July.
“We have selected a strong and exciting squad that has a huge amount of potential for what I’m sure will be a very challenging tournament,” says Hooper.
“The squad have really impressed us in training over the past few months with their work ethic and professionalism.
“Several of the girls have tasted success this year at Rosslyn Park and Urdd Sevens with their respective schools.
“Gwen Crabb, Lucy Packer, Bethan Lewis and Kayleigh Powell have gained a lot of confidence and experience from their involvement with our senior women’s sevens squad.”
Hooper believes the team’s participation will hold the players in very good stead over the coming years.
He added: “The Commonwealth Youth Games is such a fantastic opportunity for all of these girls to showcase their talent, proudly representing Wales at a prestigious sporting event at such an early and exciting time in their rugby development.”
The Commonwealth Youth Games takes place from July 18-23 with swimming, athletics, boxing, judo and tennis also featured.
Commonwealth Games Wales announced the other members of the 39-strong squad earlier this month.
Chef de Mission, Gerwyn Owen, said: “It’s particularly exciting that the women’s rugby sevens have been selected to represent Wales at the Youth Games this year.
“With the development of the sport in Wales over recent years it looks promising that the Welsh side will do well in the Bahamas.”
Wales sevens squad: Gwen Crabb, Lleucu George, Courtney Greenway, Ffion Jones, Manon Johnes, Bethan Lewis, Caitlin Lewis, Maisie Mackenzie, Amy Morgan, Ellie Morgan, Lucy Packer, Kayleigh Powell, Imogen Shide, Lauren Smyth.
