Wales suspend Sevens team

WALES’ Sevens men’s team has been suspended for the ‘foreseeable future’ because of Covid-19’s impact.

Former Wales captain Ryan Jones, now WRU performance director, said: “The global nature of the pandemic and its financial implications – including the disruption of the World Rugby Sevens Series – has rendered the programme unsustainable in the current climate.”

Jones added: “It’s an extremely regrettable situation we find ourselves in, and one that is being felt across the world inside and outside sport.

“I’ve seen first-hand how much the Sevens players and staff have put their heart and soul into the programme, which has made reaching this outcome all the more difficult.

“Unfortunately, while we have seen the return of regional rugby in its current restricted form, it’s unlikely the Sevens programme would be preparing for any top-level competition until at least April of next year.

“The realities of a reduced funding situation have made this impossible for us to sustain.”

Wales’ men were placed last when the 2019-20 season came to an abrupt end in March.

Jones added: “We are committed to competing in world-class competition and continuing player development is an absolute priority for the WRU, so we will be fully supporting our athletes with their Olympic aspirations.

“Having no Sevens programme would be a loss to the national game, and as such I don’t view this announcement as the end of rugby Sevens for the Welsh Rugby Union in the long term.”