SAM Cross will make his Wales return in round four of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Wellington next weekend.

The 22-year-old Newport back row forward was one of the stars of last year’s series but will make his first appearance of the current campaign in New Zealand.

Cross, from Brynmawr, was unlucky to miss out on selection for last year’s Commonwealth Games but spearheaded Newport Gwent Dragons’ charge to the final of the Premiership Rugby 7s and has been in fine form for the Black and Ambers.

"Sam has been on the outside so to speak but he's worked hard on things and responded really well,” said head coach Gareth Williams.

Cross is joined in the squad by Newport Gwent Dragons wing Luke Morgan and three Rodney Parade old boys in captain Jevon Groves, scrum-half Nicky Griffiths and wing Will Harries.

Wales, who are 10th in the world rankings, have been drawn in an extremely hard pool containing Australia, Fiji and Portugal for the tournament at Westpac Stadium

"We still have a consistent group from the last leg still in there and the new boys have come in and picked up all the technicalities and now we're just excited to get on the plane to New Zealand," said Williams.

"It's vital we get off to a good start against Australia. They are one of the form sides in the series and possess an excellent group of athletes.

“It's going to be physical but hopefully we will have the New Zealand crowd behind and get off to a winning start."

Wales Sevens squad for Wellington: Jevon Groves (WRU Sevens), Sam Cross (WRU Sevens), Jason Harries (WRU Sevens), Alex Webber (WRU Sevens), Nicky Griffiths (WRU Sevens), Lloyd Evans (Ospreys), Ross Jones (Ospreys), Craig Price (Scarlets), Luke Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Dan Fish (Cardiff Blues), Will Harries (Ealing Trailfinders), Tom Williams (Blues), Aled Jenkins (Ospreys)