Rees' Wales Sevens team has performed above all expectations

Rees led Wales to the semi-finals in the final two legs of last season's International Rugby Board Seven Series, giving them a world ranking of six.

But Rees has lost his role as coach of Wales Under-20, as former Wales Under-19 assistant coach Patrick Horgan takes over the reins.

That follows the decision to scrap the Under-19 side. Simon King will remain as Wales under-18 coach.

Wales Sevens competed in only six of the eight World Series events in 2006/7, but Rees should be able to take his side to every tournament next season.

That depends on the IRB approving the Welsh Rugby Union's application to become core members of the Sevens Series.

Thanks to their fine performances last season, Wales will be top seeds in their pool for the first two events of next season, in Dubai and George in December.

WRU elite performance manager Mostyn Richards said: "Sevens rugby has proved its worth on many fronts.

"It can be a catalyst for success on the world stage in its own right - we proved we can beat the best in the world in overcoming Series leaders Fiji in Scotland last June and reach our second Cup semi-final."

Horgan, who will be in charge at Ebbw Vale next season, will have WRU skills coach Wayne Jones and former Wales flanker Rob Appleyard as his assistants with Wales Under-20s.

"We have every confidence in Patrick and the rest of his team in this exciting season for Under-20 rugby," said WRU elite coach development manager Leighton Morgan.

Wales Sevens and age grade management teams:

Wales Sevens
Manager - Col David Jenkins
Head Coach - Dai Rees
Assistant coach - Gareth Baber

Wales Under-20
Manager - Bob Beale
Head Coach - Patrick Horgan
Assistant Coaches - Wayne Jones and Rob Appleyard

Wales Under-18
Manager - Terry Cobner
Head Coach - Simon King
Assistant Coaches - Gethin Watts and Nicky Lloyd