FORMER Newport Gwent Dragons back row forward Jevon Groves has been named as captain of Wales Sevens for the coming campaign.

The 26-year-old, who left Rodney Parade last summer, will lead his country in the Gold Coast tournament in the HSBC Sevens World Series next weekend.

Groves skippered Wales at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and takes over from Adam Thomas.

Head coach Gareth Williams said: “Jevon is a natural leader. He's very intelligent in his rugby judgement and he is the perfect role model for the younger guys in the group.

"We've got a number of fresh faces in the Sevens programme and Jevon's experience will be crucial to the development of the squad as the season unfolds."

Groves made 66 appearances for the Dragons over five seasons but has signed a national sevens contract that will see him training and playing for Cardiff Blues when not on Wales duty.

"Going back to Sevens is a challenge for me and I'm really looking forward to the season ahead," he said.

"We have a great mixture of experience and youth within the squad and we just have to make sure we hit the ground running in Australia and attack the first day with all guns blazing.

"We've got a tough group with South Africa, Kenya and American Samoa, but the boys have done really well in training and I'm excited about our prospects this season."

Wales Sevens squad for Gold Coast: Jevon Groves (WRU/Cardiff Blues - captain), Craig Price (Scarlets), Jason Harries (WRU 7s/Camarthen Quins), Sion Bennett (Scarlets), Garyn Smith (Cardiff Blues/Pontypridd), Luke Treharne (Exeter University), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues/Pontypridd), Will Harries (Ealing), Tom Williams (Cardiff Blues), Alex Webber (WRU 7s/Pontypridd), Luke Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Rhodri Davies (Scarlets/Llandovery)