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Allen returns to Wales Sevens fold

10th March 2017


Cory Allen has been recalled to the Wales Sevens squad ahead of this weekend's Vancouver leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

The Cardiff Blues centre last featured on the Sevens circuit for Wales in 2013, but was part of the Team GB Sevens training squad ahead of last year’s Olympics.

He is one of two changes to the squad that lined up for the Las Vegas leg with Luke Treharne also returning.

"Cory's inclusion is another example of the sevens programme's value to the regions," said Wales Sevens head coach Gareth Williams.

"It highlights our ability to act as a reintroduction programme for proven international players in need of high-intensity competition and training. He's a great character to have in the squad too, and is a proven sevens player who was very close to Olympic selection last summer."

Allen's availability coincides with Wales temporarily losing the services of Morgan Williams, who suffered an injury in Las Vegas last weekend. 

"We've now got the chance to look after Morgan, ensuring his availability, but also an ability to put his welfare first in his preparation for Hong Kong," Williams said.

"Morgan has been superb this season for us, therefore making a change was a difficult choice. However, player development is a driving factor of our programme and we are putting the individual's development at the forefront of our decision-making." 

With player development in mind, Williams said the absence of the 21-year-old gives another North Wales youngster, Tom Williams, an opportunity to lead the charge.

"Tom has fantastic attributes for the game and has been a constant threat in his very short time with us this season, therefore I am very excited to see how he expresses himself this week before returning for a spell of training with the Ospreys on his return " 

Wales Sevens squad for Vancouver Sevens
Luke Treharne (co-captain)
Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues)
Stefan Andrews (Aberavon)
Luke Morgan
Owen Jenkins 
Tom Williams (Ospreys)
Ethan Davies 
Lloyd Evans 
Adam Thomas 
Sam Cross (co-captain) 
James Benjamin (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Ben Roach