Wales won the Denmark Sevens in Odense at the weekend, the first of the FIRA European events doubling as qualifying heats for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai next March.
Wales are the only European IRB Sevens World Series core side needing to qualify for next year's World Cup but earned a maximum 18 points at the FIRA-organised event, in doing so putting themselves in a good position ahead of their second qualifing heat in Tbilisi, Georgia on 7-8 June.
After suffering a disappointing 26-10 loss to Ireland on day one, the Welsh registered victories over Denmark (42-0), Austria (63-0) and Switzerland (54-7) to make the semis, where they beat a strong Romanian side 21-10 and then exacted revenge over the Irish, beating them in a thriller 29-26, Aled Thomas slotting a 'golden' penalty drop goal after the sides reached full time level on points.
"Ireland were a good side with a lot of balance," said Wales Sevens coach Gareth Baber. "It was disappointing to lose to them on day one but it was pleasing to see the way the boys bounced back, with the experience gained by a number of the players on the IRB Sevens circuit making the difference.
"A number of the other teams also provide tough opposition, even those not on the IRB circuit and it will be key to be in good shape when we get to Tbilisi next month.
"We are determined to qualify for the Rugby World Cup Sevens but playing in Denmark has also given us some good preparation for the London and Edinburgh IRB Sevens World Series tournaments at the end of this month. We reached the Cup semi finals at both last year so it's important we do well again this time around," Baber added.
The remaining qualifying heats are in Sopot (24-25 May), Zagreb (31 May - 1 June), Tbilisi (7-8 June), Ostrava (14-15 June), Corfu (20-21 June) and Moscow (28-29 June), all the participating teams playing in two events with the best performers meeting at the qualifying final at Hanover on 12-13 July. From that final event five sides will qualify for the Dubai Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Romania take opening women's Euro title
Romania, meanwhile, took the honours at the first of two FIRA European women's heats in Bosnia Herzegovina.
The Romanians beat Finland in the final and are sure to join France, England, Spain, Wales, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Russia, Portugal and Scotland at the qualifying final in France on 14-15 June.
All the sides will be bidding to qualify for the Dubai World Cup event, which for the first time features both men and women.
The second European heat prior to the France final takes place in Belgium on 31 May - 1 June featuring the likes of Germany, Belgium, Norway and the Czech Republic.
For all the results and tables from the Denmark tournament, and information on the other upcoming European Sevens qualifiers, go to www.fira-aer-rugby.com
