Only Lucy Packer, Jodie Evans and Angharad De Smet have experience of playing international sevens but Hooper is pleased with the skill levels and commitment shown in training.
“This tournament is an invaluable opportunity for this new group of exciting young players to test themselves in what is always a very competitive tournament.
“There are no easy games in the heat of the Dubai 7s so I’m really looking forward to seeing how the squad adapt to a tough day 1 and rise to the challenges that lay ahead on day 2.”
Wales open against South Africa on Thursday morning followed by clashes against teams from Kazakhstan and Japan and Hooper is relishing the challenge.
“Lucy and Angharad were involved in this summer’s Rugby Europe 7s squad, while Lleucu, Maisie, Caitlin and Megan – along with Lucy – have come through our U18 7s squad who won bronze at last year’s Youth
Commonwealth Games so I’m excited to see how they make the step up to the senior game. I really can’t wait to see how the rest of this young squad acquit themselves as they have trained well and made good progress improving their skills in the last few weeks.”
“We have a really talented crop of young players at the moment which bodes well for the future. Also at the Youth Commonwealth Games at the Bahamas were Manon Johnes, and Lauren Smyth, plus Gwen Crabb had been in the squad but missed out on the tournament through injury. It was fantastic to see them win their first full caps in the autumn and complete a successful pathway from age grade to full, senior rugby. They’re a great group of girls and brilliant to coach.”
Wales Women Development Squad, Dubai Invitation Tournament:
Angharad De Smet (Cardiff Blues), Awen Prysor (Scarlets), Caitlin Lewis (Scarlets), Emma Hennessy (Ospreys), Hannah Bluck (Dragons), Jodie Evans (Scarlets), Lleucu George (Scarlets), Lucy Packer (Scarlets), Maisie MacKenzie (Scarlets), Megan Webb (Blues), Molly Philpott (Blues), Nia Gwyther (Scarlets)
