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Monday, 15 July, 2002, 11:20 GMT 12:20 UK
Forster named Welsh skipper
Wales have named a strong 12-man squad for the rugby union sevens at the Commonwealth Games.
The selectors have decided to mix seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters in their bid to bring home a medal.
The likes of Rob Howley, Gareth Thomas, Dafydd James and Arwel Thomas provide the experience, while Gareth Gravell, Craig Richards, Gareth Williams and Emyr Lewis will provide the young legs.
The squad will be led by Newport flanker Jason Forster and also includes Pontypridd duo Gareth Baber and Gareth Wyatt, plus Swansea flier Matthew Robinson.
And Wales have been given an early chance to avenge their summer Test defeats in South Africa following the draw for the tournament.
The two countries have been pooled with Tonga and Sri Lanka for the competition in Manchester on 2-4 August.
Manager David Rees is hopeful of a good performance, saying: "Provided we play to our potential, we can certainly challenge to be among the medals. We are all in a positive frame of mind."
Skipper Forster said he was delighted to be leading such a strong squad.
"It is a wonderful opportunity for all of us lucky enough to be selected," he said. "We are determined to play well, enjoy ourselves and make all of Wales proud of us.
"The Commonwealth Games will provide a massive opportunity that we shouldn't let slip," he said.
"With the progress we've shown this season, then I think the semi-finals are not beyond us."
Wales squad: Jason Forster (Newport, capt); Gareth Baber (Pontypridd), Gareth Gravell (Newport), Rob Howley (London Wasps), Dafydd James (Bridgend); Emyr Lewis (Pontypridd), Craig Richards (Bridgend); Matthew Robinson (Swansea), Arwel Thomas (Swansea), Gareth Thomas (Bridgend), Gareth Williams (Llanelli), Gareth Wyatt (Pontypridd)
Commonwealth Games sevens draw & seeding
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