BRYNMAWR'S Sam Cross has chalked off two Olympic goals so far this summer and now intends to complete the hat-trick by coming back from Rio with a medal around his neck.

The Wales international has made the cut for Team GB 7s at next month's Games after catching the eye on the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Series.

The 23-year-old is joined in the squad by Scarlets flanker James Davies but Luke Treharne, Wales captain, is a shock omission and has to be content with a place on the reserve list.

England's Tom Mitchell captains a team that includes Glasgow Warriors centre Mark Bennett, who starred for Scotland in last year's World Cup.

South Wales Argus:

Cross, who is on a Welsh Rugby Union national contract until 2018 and has been playing in Newport's back row in the 15-man format, has been a regular on the HSBC Sevens World Series.

He suffered the agony of missing out on the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but has been an almost ever-present for his country since.

Cross has 114 matches under his belt on the World Series, has scored 34 tries and was named in the team of the tournament in Hong Kong.

"It was a massive disappointment missing out (on Glasgow)," he said. "Looking back now it was something that spurred me on to make it here.

"My game has developed massively over the last two years and having the experience of playing regularly on the circuit has helped."

Cross was thrilled to be named in the extended squad in May, then to make the 12-man team and now is chasing gold.

He said: "It has been amazing year for me. The goal at the beginning of the season was to make the initial Team GB squad and then it was to make the cut and get on the plane.

"Everything has gone to plan so far and the next step is to try and achieve an Olympic medal.

"There have been 10 tournaments on the world circuit this year and six different tournament winners.

"It shows that anything is possible in sevens and anyone can win. It shows the level of competition we are going into Rio and we also have a chance."

GB will be up against New Zealand, Kenya and Japan in the group stages with the top two from the three pools going through to the quarter-finals along with a pair of third-placed teams.

Cross is in determined mood to shine at the competition, which runs from August 9 to 11, but he is also relishing a chance to experience the wonder of the Games.

"I just can't wait to get to Rio," he said. "A Brynmawr boy going to the Olympics, I am not sure anyone will believe it!

"I am a big Roger Federer fan so it would be a bit surreal if I bumped into him at the food hall. Everyone talks about Usain Bolt as well!"

Wales' Jasmine Joyce earns selection for women's 7s squad: Page **