16/2/2006

Ospreys star Lee Beech has been compelled to withdraw from the Rugby 7s squad bound for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games (15-26 March 2006.)

The Pontypridd born back row ' s season has been hampered by a stress fracture to his foot which has now ruled him out of the Telstra Dome tussle Down Under. His boots will be amply filled by Cardiff Blues and full Welsh International, Robin Sowden-Taylor.

Cardiff born Sowden-Taylor, 23 has made 19 appearances for his regional side during the 2005/2006 season, scoring three tries and two in the latest Heineken Cup campaign.

Team Wales Director of Operations, David Evans said: " We are disappointed to lose Lee from the Team Wales line-up for the Melbourne Games but we wish him a speedy recovery and best wishes for the remainder of his season with the Ospreys. He has however been replaced by a player who has demonstrated his extraordinary talent during his rugby career to date and Robin will be a real asset to the 7s team when it takes to the field next month. "

Melbourne Telstra Dome will play host to the sevens scrum-down on March 16-17 and the Welsh contingent spearheaded by Newport Gwent Dragons skills coach Dai Rees- has been pitched into Pool A with New Zealand - the defending Commonwealth champions who won their sixth IRB Sevens title last season. Kenya and Namibia make up the remaining spaces in the pool.

Wales is still targeting a top four spot on the per head of population Commonwealth Games medal table, though forecasts should be tempered by the absence of judo which gave Wales six medals in 2002. Welsh weightlifters were also able to medal in the snatch, clean and jerk and overall categories whereas medals will only be awarded in the overall class in 2006. Wales won six medals in this discipline at the Manchester Games but only a maximum of four medals will be available in Melbourne.