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HFW Wailers are determined to challenge leaders Samurai at the remaining two tournaments of the inaugural National Sevens Series.

The team, predominately hailing from the North East of England, were knocked out at the semi-final stages at both London’s Rugby Rocks and the West Country Sevens.

Currently lying in third position in the overall standings, the Wailers find themselves 16 points behind the dominant Samurai with just Manchester (July 4) and Newquay Surf Sevens (July 17) to play.

Director of Rugby Andy Howells admits it has been frustrating to see his side just fall short.

‘We seem to be the bridesmaids at the moment. We just can’t seem to get past the semi-finals and that’s been disappointing for us”.

“I think we’re better then the semi-finals to be honest and we just need to get things right on the day,” said Howells.

At last weekend’s West Country leg the side lost how narrowly to a determined British Army side 17-12. An impish passage of play from the Army’s Jack Prasad proved a key moment, with the Fiji international catching the Wailers napping as they conceded just before the break.

“We need to be more consistent and a little bit sharper. We got caught out by some a great bit of gamesmanship but we were a bit naive there. I honestly believe we are one of the teams that can beat Samurai.”

“I don’t know if it is a belief thing but we know we have to take it to the next step in Manchester. We definitely hope to strengthen our squad”.

Bolstering of squad

Neath’s Gareth King is expected to be join the side a proven performer with the 16 stone 15-a-side Full Back providing plenty of options for coach Mark Laycock. 

Established Wailers back Jack Smales is another who could possibly be making a National Series debut, when he returns from France. The quicksilver winger’s older brother Hamish is also part of the Wailers squad, scorer of five tries in the West Country.

Discussions are taking place this week with Newcastle Falcons Head Coach Alan Tait, regarding the release of players from the Premiership outfit for Manchester and Newquay. Despite the potential changes Howells says he has been very happy with the form of his squad.

“Our experienced guys like Scott Riddell and Aaron Meyers have been playing really well. New boy Steve Parsons has impressed me and Tyson Lewis is doing the business.

“If Samurai win again in Manchester, the Series is effectively over and no-one, apart from Samurai, wants that as we want it to go to the death in Newquay.

“The standard is as expected very high in the latter stages. I think we need to support the slightly smaller teams though and make sure they have the determination to build for years to come.”