The Australian Rugby Union is delighted to announce that Michael Wells has signed a full-time contract to join the Men’s Sevens program, effective immediately.
A dynamic loose forward by trade, Wells represented Australian at the Under 20s level and played for Northern Suburbs in Sydney’s Shute Shield in 2014. Most recently, the 21-year-old has impressed for the Macquarie University North Harbour Rays in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.
The Riverview product is Geraint John’s first signing since taking over as Head Coach of the Australian Men’s Sevens team.
Michael Wells said, “This is an exciting time for me. Once I spoke with Geraint [John], listened to his plans for the Sevens program and how I will fit into the squad, my mind was made up.”
“Obviously this is a huge season for the Sevens World Series and it goes without saying that my ultimate goal is to represent Australia at the Olympics in two years’ time.
“In the short time I have been with them, the Rays have been fantastic to me and I am grateful to them for giving me the platform to showcase my game. I wish them the very best for the rest of the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.”
John said he was thrilled that Michael has decided to join the Australian Men’s Sevens program.
“Michael is a gifted forward who will bring us that added toughness at the breakdown. He has a wonderful appetite to learn about Sevens and improve his technical skills.”
“I am aware that Michael impressed during last season’s Shute Shield, and he has clearly stepped up to the mark at a higher level in the NRC while playing for the Rays. It is fantastic to see a player come through Australian Rugby’s Development Pathway – playing for Australian Schoolboys, the Under 20s, NRC and now being a part of a national all-age squad.
“The forwards is an area where I feel we lack of bit of depth at the moment. With Michael joining us at our centralised base at the Academy of Sport in Sydney, I feel we have taken a step towards addressing this.”
Wells will be available for selection for the first leg of the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series on the Gold Coast next month (11-12 October) – the first on the Olympic qualification calendar.
MICHAEL WELLS FACTFILE:
Born: 3 May 1993
Place of Birth: Sydney, Australia
Height: 190cm
Weight: 102kg
Previous Clubs: Macquarie University North Harbour Rays (Buildcorp National Rugby Championship), Northern Suburbs (Shute Shield)
Representative Honours: Australian Under 20s (2013), Australian Schoolboys (2010-11)
