THE Dragons duo of Will Talbot-Davies and Taine Basham have been named in the Wales squad for the opening rounds of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai and Cape Town, with Joe Goodchild travelling as back-up, writes Chris Kirwan.

After training clashes with European champions Ireland last week, boss Richie Pugh has named his first team since taking over from Gareth Williams.

Full-back/wing Talbot-Davies was a regular on the circuit last season and represented his country at the World Cup in Los Angeles in July.

He is one of the more experienced members of the squad while highly-rated back row forward Basham, who recently joined Talbot-Davies in the Dragons matchday squads for their Guinness PRO14 encounters with Ulster and Connacht, is set for his debut.

"Taine Basham up front has got a great skillset and footwork for a carrying back rower," said Pugh.

Wales, who will be captained by Luke Treharne, have been given a tough group against New Zealand, the USA and Spain in Dubai.

"When you add in Ben Roach, Cai Devine, Owen Jenkins and Will Talbot-Davies, I'm hoping all their experience will spur the boys on come next Friday," said Pugh, a Sevens World Cup winner in 2009.

"It'll be completely different to the cold climate we've been accustomed to lately, so we've got to get used to the heat of Dubai and Cape Town very quickly."

"We need to expose players to these experienced teams, put them under that level of pressure in a top-level environment. This is what sevens gives them an insight into, and it's fantastic for their learning."

Wales squad: Luke Treharne (captain), Afon Bagshaw (vice-captain), Cai Devine, Owen Jenkins, Jay Jones, Ben Roach, Taine Basham, Will Talbot-Davies (both Dragons), Dane Blacker, Ben Jones (both Cardiff Blues), Ryan Conbeer, Tomi Lewis (both Scarlets).