Wales confirm World Cup 9s squad

Wales coach John Kear has confirmed his squad that will travel to Australia for the World Cup 9s.

Wales will come up against England, France and Lebanon Group B at the tournament on October 18 and 19.

St Helens flyer Regan Grace headlines the squad and is the only current Super League player named.

London broncos pair Elliot Kear and Rhys Williams are also included, as are the Evans brothers – Rhys and Ben.

Bradford halfback Cobi Green and Australian-based outside back Will Evans are the only uncapped players named by John Kear.

Ben Flower and Chester Butler both miss out through injury, while Gil Dudson is also unavailable.

“We’re all eager to take part in the 9s World Cup,” said Kear. “11 out of the 16 players featured in last autumn’s European Championship and World Cup qualifiers so it’ll be good for this squad of players to spend some more time together.

“We have a good mix of youth and experience in the squad, with a few players returning for the first time in a couple of years. We’ll be going to Australia and giving it our best shot against some strong sides.

“We want to build on the good work we did last year with a big couple of years coming up.”

Wales World Cup 9s squad: Rhys Evans, Dalton Grant, Cobi Green (Bradford Bulls), Will Evans (Burleigh Bears), Connor Davies, Curtis Davies, Dan Fleming (all Halifax), Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams (both London Broncos), Lloyd White (Mackay Cutters), Regan Grace (St Helens), Gavin Bennion, Mike Butt, Rhodri Lloyd (all Swinton Lions), Ben Evans (Toulouse Olympique), James Olds (West Brisbane Panthers).