CROSS Keys’ Rhys Jones is in the Wales Sevens squad for the second and third rounds of the HSBC Sevens World Series which take place in Dubai (November 29-30) and South Africa (December 7-8).

The Pandy Park side’s full-back, who has played twice for the Newport Gwent Dragons this season, scored 11 points his country in their International Rugby Board Gold Coast Sevens Cup quarter-final showdown against South Africa last month, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 28-21 defeat.

Head coach Paul John has brought in three players with Carmarthen Quins’ Jason Harries and Bridgend's Luke Morgan recalled while his Ravens teammate Ashley Evans is given his first opportunity at this level.

This follows Will Thomas, Alex Webber and Iolo Evans having to drop out of the squad which competed in the first leg of the World Series in Australia because of injury concerns.

"Will broke his jaw on the Gold Coast so he's out for a few more weeks yet so Ashley Evans has come in to replace him,” said John.

"Alex Webber is out probably up until Christmas so Luke Morgan, who has been part of the extended squad, and who has been training really well, deserves his chance while Jason Harries comes back in for Iolo, who has a broken hand.

"Jason was unlucky to miss out on the Gold Coast, but it shows how competitive the squad is at the moment. He deserves to be there, he is capable of performing really well.

"Luke played for us last year in Wellington and to be fair to Luke he has worked really hard on his game.

“He is an exciting prospect and he is someone on an upward spiral and hopefully he will do himself justice over the next couple of weeks.

"Ashley has been training with the squad and put his hand up for selection and deserves his opportunity. We are under no illusions as to how tough it is going to be in Dubai before we head off to Port Elizabeth.”

Wales have drawn Australia, Spain and Scotland for the pool stage in Dubai.

Wales Sevens squad for Dubai Sevens: Adam Thomas – (capt) (Pontypridd), Jason Harries (Carmarthen Quins), Rhys Shellard (Pontypridd), James Davies (Carmarthen Quins), Sam Cross (Cardiff Met), Lee Williams (Carmarthen Quins), Alex Walker (Cardiff), Rhys Jones (Cross Keys), Ashley Evans (Bridgend), Adam Field (Bridgend), Chris Knight (Llandovery), Luke Morgan (Bridgend).