Wales Sevens head coach Paul John has announced a new-look squad for the first IRB Sevens World Series tournaments of the season in Dubai and George, South Africa.
Only captain Chris Davies, Craig Hill, Jevon Groves and Ifan Evans have previous international Sevens experience, with Hill the only member of Wales' Rugby World Cup Sevens-winning squad in Dubai. All four are now contracted core Sevens players, as are uncapped trio Chris Morgan, Nicky Thomas and Lloyd Williams.
Ashley Beck, Justin Tipuric, Gareth Davies, Lee Rees and Alex Cuthbert have been added to the squad for these two legs of the Series.
Wales have a tough draw at next week's Dubai tournament with last year's Series winners South Africa, Australia and Arabian Gulf their Pool opponents.
"Following our success at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai, a lot of our squad have gone on to secure new professional contracts in the fifteen a side game, which is a positive result of the win, and we have taken the opportunity to bring in some new players into the squad so it's a fresh start in lots of ways," said coach John.
"The WRU has introduced core contracts for Sevens players which is hugely positive for us. It means we are able to achieve a consistency of selection that we have never had before. As a full time member of staff I also have more time to work on preparation, analysis and coaching with the players.
"Ashley Beck, Justin Tipuric and Nicky Thomas have already played some Regional rugby this season but Sevens is a key development tool for us as a Union and we hope players like these will gain a huge amount in skill levels, experience and confidence from international Sevens which will serve them well in the professional game.
"Gareth Davies and Lee Rees have been playing exceptionally well in the Principality Premiership and Alex Cuthbert has played quite a bit on the invitational Sevens circuit."
