DRAGONS winger Joe Goodchild has been named in the Wales squad for this weekend’s London leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
The 21-year-old speedster from Garndiffaith has been a regular on the circuit this season, playing in 32 matches and scoring five tries.
"Joe Goodchild had to run 60 metres backwards to save a try, now he's run 50 metres forward to score a try!".
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) April 9, 2019
Your @TAGHeuer #DontCrackUnderPressure moment in Hong Kong was @WelshRugbyUnion beating series leader's USA #HK7s pic.twitter.com/rY2M3wggWu
He is joined for the tournament at Twickenham by George Gasson, who was released by the Rodney Parade region at the end of the season.
Pontypool’s Ethan Davies, a core Wales Sevens player, is also included after suffering an injury-hit campaign.
Wales sit 14th in the rankings head of the legs in London and Paris so need a strong finish to avoid being overtaken by Japan and suffering relegation.
“The boys understand that even though it’s the end of the season, we’ve got so much to fight for,” said head coach Richie Pugh.
“We can’t take our foot off the gas. We’re fighting for survival, and we can’t afford to lose core status. The boys recognise how much these final two weekends mean.”
Wales have been drawn against series leaders USA, seventh-placed Australia and 11th-placed Spain and take heart from recent wins against the Americans and England.
“We can reflect on the improvements shown to pick off wins against those two sides, and the manner in which we did so was huge for this group, but the next stage is nailing the games after those performances, the ones what we could and should be winning,” said Pugh.
“It has been a tough season, both physically and mentally. We’re fighting for every game and every point on the series.
“It does take its toll, so it was important that we switched off during the break we’ve just had, but now we’re back in and fresh for the challenge ahead.”
Core Players: Luke Treharne (captain), Owen Jenkins, Ethan Davies, Cai Devine, Afon Bagshaw, Joe Jenkins; Dragons: Joe Goodchild, George Gasson; Cardiff Blues: Cameron Lewis, Dafydd Smith; Ospreys: Reuben Morgan-Williams, Ben Cambriani; Scarlets: Tom Rogers, Morgan Williams.
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