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Wales coach Paul John has been forced to ring the changes for the upcoming rounds on the IRB Sevens World Series in Wellington (5-6 Feb) and Las Vegas (13-14 Feb).

John will have to without reliable World Cup winner Craig Hill for the third and fourth legs of the World Series. Other absentees incluse Gareth Davies, Ashley Beck, Nicky Thomas and scrum half Lee Rees.

Thomas is currently injured whilst Rees, who impressed in Dubai and George before Christmas, is involved with Wales Under-20.

Into the 12-man squad come uncapped Alex Walker and Darren Daniel with Rhys Shellard Aaron Bramwell and Cornish Pirates' Rhys Jones, son of Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones, also making the around-the-world trip.

John led his side to the Bowl competition in Dubai and South Africa and is keen to break into that the top echelon of eight sides.

Alex Cuthbert, scorer of 10 tries from the opening rounds, is included along with Jevon Groves and the higly-rated Justin Tipuric. Aberavon's Chris Davies retains the captaincy.

They face a stern examination in Wellington, at the NZI Sevens, pooled with New Zealand, South Africa and the potentially dangerous Nieu. Last year saw the Welsh kick off their Wellington Sevens campaign with a famous opening day's victory of the Kiwis.

After Wellington the side travels to Las Vegas where they will meet England, Argentina, and Japan on the opening day's group stages.

Click here for UR7s exclusive interview with Wales coach Paul John

Wales Sevens squad for Wellington and Las Vegas:

Chris Davies (capt, Aberavon), Alex Walker (Dragons), Chris Morgan (Aberavon), Rhys Jones (Cornish Pirates), Aaron Bramwell (Pontypridd), Lloyd Williams (Blues), Darren Daniel (Scarlets) Ifan Evans (Llandovery), Alex Cuthbert (UWIC), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Jevon Groves (Cross Keys), Rhys Shellard (Cardiff).