Tough Dubai opener for Wales

The Wales squad has a chance to rebalance the scales following last Saturday's 15-man Test loss to the All Blacks, when Paul John's side play New Zealand in their opening match of the Dubai Sevens.

The side also plays Argentina and Russia in their other Pool games.

John said: "New Zealand are the top seed in Dubai but Argentina is also a massive game, and Russia are improving all the time.

"Every Pool is difficult now in the IRB Sevens World Series but we've prepared well as a squad and held an extremely useful and competitive trial session between squad players last week.

"Alex Webber, who has been playing with Ystrad Rhondda in Division One East, stood out, as did Cory Allen who have both made it into the squad for the first time. Jason Harries is also set to win his first cap for Wales Sevens having performed well in training, while Ifan Evans returns to the squad bringing more strength in depth."

Following this weekend's Dubai tournament, the Series moves on to Port Elizabeth in South Africa for the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens.

Wales : Ifan Evans, James Davies, Adam Thomas, Richie Pugh, Jason Harries, Lee Williams, Rhys Jones, Will Thomas, Will Price, Rhys Shellard, Cory Allen, Alex Webber.