Wales Women have named Worcester Valkyries back Charlie Murray in their squad for the star-studded Super 7s, which takes place on February 3-4 at the Sci-Fleet Stadium in Brisbane.
Wales Women’s Sevens Head Coach Nick Wakley said it’s been one of the most difficult squad selections myself and Assistant Coach Jonathan Hooper have had to make since they started in their roles, with a number of personnel changes to the side which competed in Dubai in December.
Wakley said: “Some really tough calls have been made, but it’s a sign of the times that emotion has now made way for focus and dedication.
“Players now have a wonderful opportunity to stake a claim for the upcoming Six Nations.”
In what he calls a “world-class competition” – with USA, England and South Africa are all set to feature along with the home team – Wakley intends to monitor his players’ performances closely, with Commonwealth Games spots up for grabs. The 2018 edition of the Games, held this April, will also take place in Queensland.
On the importance of the competition to his team’s growth, Wakley says: “The ten-day experience of travelling to the other side of the world to play Sevens, in 35-degree heat, is an invaluable experience for our young squad, who will be returning in April to compete in the Commonwealth Games.”
Brisbane represents a starting point for a big year for the Sevens team, with a World Series qualifier in Hong Kong, the Commonwealth Games and an invitation to compete in the World Series in Paris all to follow.
The competition will be streamed live on the Super 7s Facebook page.
Wales Women squad for Super 7s: Charlie Murray, Elinor Snowsill, Ffion Lewis, Gemma Rowland, Hannah Jones, Jasmine Joyce, Kayleigh Powell, Laurie Harries, Lucy Packer, Philippa Tuttiett, Shona Powell-Hughes, Sian Williams, Sioned Harries.