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France hosted Wales, Scotland, and sides from Morocco and Argentina in a training tournament last weekend, as preparations continue for sides ahead of the Dubai Sevens on 4-5 December.

World Cup winners Wales eventually won the tournament by just pipping Scotland in the final.

France coach Thierry Janeczek has vowed not to make any aims or predictions for the new season, with many of the players in his camp ahead of Dubai and George Sevens relatively new to the abbreviated code.

“I am under no illusions because we start really far behind. I am satisfied with their spirit of the squad so far.” said Janeczek.

“I know that other teams do a lot of tournaments and prepare with groups formed for several years. We aren’t setting specific goals for this season because we're a heading into the unknown. Each victory will bring confidence and experience.”

Janeczek has a wealth of experience in Sevens having played for his country in the very first IRB Sevens World Series year back in 1999. One of Janeczek’s proudest achievements is seeing his player’s develop and make the grade with the Top 14 and French 15-a-side team.

“In all professional teams, there are many players went through the rugby 7s. This is a great recognition because it means they have used this sport to evolve. Many have not forgotten the time spent with the French Sevens team”.

Last weekend’s warm-up matches was the first time Wales had used some decent tournament game-time ahead of the start of the main IRB season. Coach Paul John is adamant it could prove beneficial ahead of Dubai.

“It means the new players have some matches under their belt before we head to Dubai. We usually start the season slowly due to lack of playing and training time but hopefully that experience will help us this time around,” said John.