WALES coach Gareth Williams says Newport Gwent Dragons' Singha Premiership 7s winners have given him plenty of food for thought in Olympic year, writes Chris Kirwan.
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series starts in Dubai on December 4 and the shortened format will be in the spotlight ahead of its bow at Rio 2016.
Williams will be an assistant coach for Team GB next August and could well be pushing the case for a number of young Dragons after their summer exploits.
They lifted the first piece of silverware in the Rodney Parade region's history when they won the Welsh leg of the Premiership 7s and then beat Sale, Gloucester and Wasps to triumph at the Twickenham Stoop.
"I enjoyed going to Cardiff to see the four regions play against each other and to see what the Dragons did on finals day was superb," said Williams.
"It was fantastic to watch and they came through adversity in two really tough matches against Gloucester and Wasps.
"It was very interesting given the way that the agreement has gone between the regions and the union. We depend heavily on our relationship with the regions and they have been fantastic and very supportive.
"It hasn't always worked out because squads are stretched at regional level but it was great to see the likes of Angus O'Brien, who played for us last season, and Ollie Griffiths out on a big stage performing superbly along with a number of others."
Two of the Dragons' star performers ply their trade in the Principality Premiership, Ebbw Vale flanker Luke Crocker and Newport wing Elliot Frewen.
The pair recently starred in the Safari 7s in Kenya for a Samurai side coached by Ebbw Vale assistant Nick Wakley.
Williams said: "Luke did well for us in the European series and has taken advantage of the environment here, training really well.
"Elliot was in a development group with us a few years ago and he was exceptional over the summer, so those two are being considered at the moment."
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