Wales select strong Sevens squad

Ospreys and Wales flanker Richie Pugh, one of three full caps in the 13-man squad, will skipper the side.

Wales opted out of international Sevens rugby as part of a series of cost-cutting measures.

But Wales Under-21 and Newport coach Dai Rees will help Wales re-establish their credentials.

The competition will move on from Dubai to George, near Cape Town, for the second round of the eight-tournament series the following weekend.

Wales will also be sending a Sevens squad to compete in next year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

"We have got a great blend of youth and experience in our squad and it will be fantastic for these players to mix with some of the greatest Sevens players in the world," said Rees.

"We couldn't have asked for a tougher return to the world Sevens stage. We have been pooled with the reigning Rugby World Cup holders, Fiji, and Samoa in Dubai and then the IRB Series champions New Zealand and Argentina in George.

"The Welsh regions have all bought into our return to the Sevens arena and we have been given a talented group of players.

"Richie Pugh will lead the side and we also have capped players in Tal Selley and Rhys Oakley."

Rees' men will have to contend with Samoa, Fiji and Tunisia in Dubai, then New Zealand, Argentina and Kenya in George.

Wales squad: Richie Pugh (Ospreys, capt), Tal Selley (Scarlets), Rhys Oakley (Dragons), James Merriman (Gloucester), Gareth Baber (Dragons), Jonny Vaughton (Ospreys), James Hook (Ospreys), Jonathan Edwards (Scarlets), Rhodri McAtee (Penzance), Aled Brew (Ospreys), Wayne Evans (Blues), Gareth Chapman (Dragons), Chris Davies (Dragons).