NEWPORT’S Elliot Frewen is one of two HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series debutants in the Wales squad for next weekend’s tournament in Wellington, New Zealand.

Frewen, 29, and James Botham, 18, have shown impressive form to take their place in head coach Gareth Williams's 14-man set-up, which is captained by Brynmawr Olympian Sam Cross.

Newport Gwent Dragons forward James Benjamin returns to the ranks for the trip to New Zealand – Wales have reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the first two rounds of the season.

Cardiff Blues Academy player Botham is a former Wales U18 international, while Newport winger Frewen was named the 2016 Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Player of the Series after his trophy-winning exploits with the Dragons.

Benjamin returns having last featured for Wales Sevens in their Bowl-winning match against Australia in Twickenham last summer.

"These two new caps are part of the strategy to build depth moving towards next year's Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens," said Williams.

"James Botham's selection supports the work we're trying to do in developing players with regions.

“He's a very promising players for Cardiff Blues. He's trained and has earned his opportunity in Wellington."

Frewen has previously featured for Wales on the European circuit, and Williams says he is pleased to see him getting his shot in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

"Elliot has got a really good pedigree on the invitational sevens series, and he's been part of the development group (assistant coach) Richie Pugh set up at the start of the season,” he added.

“It's a fantastic opportunity for him. He's an exciting player, very elusive. Hopefully he'll get the chance to showcase that in Wellington."

Wales' Pool D opponents in Wellington include Scotland, Canada and Russia.

Squad: Owen Lane (Cardiff Blues), Morgan Williams (Ospreys), Steffan Andrews (Aberavon), Elliot Frewen (Newport), Owen Jenkins, Tom Williams (Ospreys), Ethan Davies, Lloyd Evans, Adam Thomas, Sam Cross (capt), James Botham (Cardiff Blues), Ben Roach, James Benjamin (Newport Gwent Dragons), Matthew Owen (Scarlets).