The Welsh talisman had targeted selection for the Great Britain 7s side for the Tokyo Olympics ever since missing the cut for Rio’s tournament but it wasn’t to be. However he isn’t letting his omission side track him from his mission of showcasing the shorter version of the game.
“Setbacks don’t define you and everyone you know is going to be proud of you regardless and that is so important to remember,” admits Treharne.
“One of my favourite quotes ever is: You haven’t failed until you quit. Overcoming a setback isn’t a failure, it’s a chance to grow, develop and challenge yourself.”
Treharne is now challenging himself, alongside fellow Welshman Morgan Williams, on the World Sevens Series with Great Britain’s men side comprising players from England, Scotland and Wales. Despite missing out on Tokyo, Treharne had no hesitation when a phone call gave him an unexpected opportunity to continue his sevens journey
“I got a phone call from Charlie Hayter and Tony Roques [GB 7s coaches] and they asked me about my availability. I’d just agreed an extension with the WRU so I was keen and available to play. It’s been a year and half since I last played a sevens tournament with Wales in Vancouver. So I was very keen to be involved,” explains Treharne.
Ironically, Treharne’s return to action was last weekend in Vancouver where Great Britain claimed the bronze medal on their series debut after a 24-14 win against Ireland.
The series concludes in Edmonton this weekend and Treharne is excited with the prospect of playing alongside a group of players he would normally play against on the sevens circuit with Wales.
“It’s a really strong squad and I’ve known a lot of the players from the other unions for a long time. So it’s going to be fun experience playing in tournament with them rather than against them.
“I see this as a really good opportunity to play at an elite level again. It’s a huge opportunity to showcase 7s in Britain so I’m really looking forward to enjoying myself on the field.
“ I always want to show and open more pathways to younger players and I think this is a great one. It’s also a chance for myself and Morgan to play and prepare with one eye on next year’s Commonwealth Games with Wales.”
The men’s series competition sees the 12 teams divided into three pools of four teams, following the format used at the Olympic Games.
Great Britain feature in Pool C alongside Ireland and invitational teams Germany and Jamaica.
There is a strong line-up for the women’s Fast Four tournament with Canada, Great Britain, the USA and Mexico participating.
The women’s fast four competition format sees all teams play each other before semi-finals are followed by the third place match and gold medal final. Wales speedster Jasmine Joyce will once again feature for GB.
