RGC full-back Afon Bagshaw has been handed the vice-captaincy as he prepares for his first competitive action since being awarded a 7s contract from the Welsh Rugby Union.

The former Gogs’ Academy graduate has been named in a leadership position for the Wales squad that will compete in the opening leg of the World Rugby 7s Series, which kicks-off in Dubai this weekend.

Bagshaw has impressed considerably for the national side during high-profile events such as the World 7s Cup earlier this year which resulted in him securing a contract, and he will be looking to make a further impact for newly appointed head coach Richie Pugh for a busy series of upcoming competitions.

The former Sevens World Cup winner, who has stepped up from his assistant role since Gareth Williams took over as Wales U20 head coach, will hand World Rugby Sevens Series debuts to five players in Dubai - four of whom were recently part of the U20 programme.

As part of their preparations for Dubai and Cape Town, the Wales squad held a special training camp with European champions Ireland a week ago, which saw them compete in live game situations to further boost their preparations.

Luke Treharne will captain his country, ably assisted by Bagshaw.

Pugh, said: "Luke has got a lot of experience and the players look up to him. He can lead the team well and knows what to expect on the big stage.

“He's backed up by Afon, who's been in the programme over a year now and leads from front. They both set the standards and along with the rest of our core players they've been supporting the new players coming in really well.

“When you add in Ben Roach, Cai Devine, Owen Jenkins and Will Talbot-Davies, I'm hoping all their experience will spur the boys on come next Friday.

“It'll be completely different to the cold climate we've been accustomed to lately, so we've got to get used to the heat of Dubai and Cape Town very quickly."

Wales Sevens Squad: Afon Bagshaw (Vice-Captain), Cai Devine, Owen Jenkins, Jay Jones, Ben Roach, Luke Treharne (Captain). Cardiff Blues: Dane Blacker, Ben Jones. Dragons: Taine Basham, Joe Goodchild, Will Talbot-Davies. Scarlets: Ryan Conbeer, Tomi Lewis.