Scarlets 7s coach Dai Flanagan has high hopes of seeing his young side progress through to this year’s Singha Premiership Rugby 7s final at the Twickenham Stoop after failing to qualify from last year’s inaugural Welsh leg of the competition.
A new look Scarlets side will take to the field at Cardiff Arms Park with plenty of enthusiasm and youthful exuberance in the side coupled with Wales 7s players Luke Treharne and Jacob Unwin.
Flanagan, himself a former flyhalf, who has also been named as Llanelli RFC Head Coach for the forthcoming season, says he is looking forward to seeing his young side take to the field at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.
“If people haven’t experienced 7s it’s a great game that is a shorter format to the traditional 15 a side game. We are excited to see some of our younger players and semi-pro players get an opportunity to express themselves. They’ll have more space on the field to show off the talents they have.
“We have a young group representing us this year and it’s their chance to impress on a bigger stage in front of a big crowd.”
The inaugural Welsh leg, introduced to the competition in 2014, saw thousands pack into BT Sport Arms Park and Flanagan believes a Saturday afternoon kick-off will appeal to families and those new to the sport.
“There was a good crowd last year, if it’s a nice day it’ll make for a better day altogether. 7s has become its own sport; the style of play is completely different to the traditional 15 a side game.
“It’s a great day for people to come and watch an exciting sport. We’re really looking forward to it as a region.”
The young coach’s ambition is to see his side perform to the best of their abilities with qualification to the next round at the Twickenham Stoop an additional bonus.
“We’ll look to qualify for the next round. To go to the Stoop and play in the final of the whole series would be a good achievement for the group.
“It was disappointing not to break through to the final stages last year. Our biggest aim is to be competitive on the day, if we get through that’s a bonus. We want to challenge these kids on a level they’re not used to.”
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