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Wales Sevens coach Paul John has included only three of the squad that won the World Cup two weeks ago for the Hong Kong and Adelaide legs of the IRB Sevens World Series, which begins in Hong Kong on Friday March 27.

Player of the tournament Tal Selley, Ospreys scrum half Rhys Webb and flanker James Merriman get the vote with John sending out a new-look squad including four previously uncapped players.

Llandovery wing Ifan Evans, back row forwards Michael Collins (Ospreys) and Jevon Groves (Cross Keys), and Coventry scrum half Tom Slater are all named along with Pontypridd's Gavin Dacey, who will travel as a reserve player.

Northampton flyer Will Harries, who is currently on loan to First Division Bedford, has been given an opportunity whilst James Lewis returns after being a permanent member of the squad last season. The remaining places go to Jimmy Norris, who participated in the Dubai, George and San Diego Sevens earlier this season, and Dan Flanagan.

"This will be a steep learning curve for a number of these players. The majority of our World Cup winning side are unavailable to us which means we don't have the consistency of selection some other nations will enjoy,” said John.

"However, our continued aim is to help develop players into better professional rugby players and the current situation gives the whole squad the opportunity to do that in one of the IRB's most prestigious rugby events.

The key game in Wales’ Pool B will be their clash with England late on Day 2. With England’s consistent continuity in selection and lethal weapon Tom Varndell in their ranks it will be a tough ask for Paul John’s youngsters.

"Hong Kong is a 24-team tournament over three days, similar to the World Cup which means that only the top team in each Pool is guaranteed a path to the quarter-finals. We have China on the opening night, who will pose a very physical threat, then Japan and England on Day Two,” added John.

"We were able to take the same side on two tournaments - Wellington and the Rugby World Cup - and the results reflected that selection policy.

"We are not in the same position ahead of this tournament but the boys have trained well all week and I'm sure when it comes to selecting the squad for Twickenham and Edinburgh, these players will again be pushing for places." said John.

Joe Lydon, Welsh Rugby Union head of rugby performance and development, also wished the squad well.

"Many of the players who worked so hard to win the title for Wales would have liked to step back onto the international stage in Hong Kong," said Lydon.

"However, I am aware of the reasons this is not possible at such a crucial stage of the season for regions and clubs alike.

"We fully understand the competition demands of the clubs and regions and accept the current situation was inevitable, but a formal agreement on player release for international sevens is essential going forward.

"The WRU has already recognised this issue and we are working towards addressing player release, in partnership with our clubs and regions."

Wales Squad for Hong Kong and Adelaide: J Merriman (cart, unattached), T Selley (Dragons), R Webb (Ospreys), I Evans (Llandovery), J Norris (Bedwas), T Slater (Coventry), W Harries (Northampton), D Flanagan (Blues), J Lewis (Ebbw Vale), R Shellard (Cardiff), J Groves (Cross Keys), M Collins (Ospreys).