James Davies believes the chance to be an Olympian will more than make amends for missing out on the Wales tour to New Zealand this summer.

The Scarlets flanker was one of five Welshmen named in a 25-man Team GB Sevens training squad for the Rio Olympics.

Davies had been a contender to take on the All Blacks in three Tests next month, but says: “I suppose you could call it a bit of a silver lining.

“I put myself forward for Welsh selection – that didn’t turn out as I wanted, but it could have been a blessing in disguise and my focus is now on GB sevens.

“That decision whether to go to New Zealand or opt for the Olympics has been taken away from me, but now I have the opportunity to potentially win an Olympic gold medal and I am more than happy.

“Hopefully I can get on the plane to Rio and I will do everything in my power to get on that plane. My focus now is on the amount of work I am going to have to put in.”

Davies, 25, joins Wales international centre Cory Allen, plus current Wales Sevens squad players Luke Treharne, Luke Morgan and Sam Cross. The squad will be reduced to the final 12 players in July.

The GB squad, that includes a combination of Sevens specialists and 15-a-side players from England, Scotland and Wales, will gather on May 30 for a seven-week intensive training period involving a programme of four international competitions.

There are only six regular 15s players in the squad with Cardiff Blues’ Allen and Davies joined by Ollie Lindsay-Hague (Harlequins) and Marcus Watson (Newcastle Falcons), Mark Bennett (Glasgow Warriors) and Joe Simpson (Wasps).

That reflects the way in which Sevens has become a distinct game that requires specialist skills – a view Davies endorses, having been a Sevens regular with Wales two years ago at the Commonwealth Games.

“Two years is a long time, but I’m still pretty fit and I am going to have an intense programme that will condition me more than enough to be ready,” he insisted.

“I was first involved when I was in university and playing with Carmarthen Quins; Gareth Williams, who is now the GB assistant coach, rang me and asked if I fancied training with the Welsh squad. I played in a few FIRA tournaments, it went okay, I enjoyed it and then I got offered a contract which I took.

“I think I played six tournaments in my first year. It was a great experience, travelling the world as a 21-year-old isn’t a bad life and I am grateful for that.

“I owe a lot to the sevens game because it has put me where I am now. It is a game where you need to be mentally strong.

“You play six games over two days, you play 14 tough minutes, you come off and your body is half dead, but you know you have to go again in a couple of hours.

“Sevens magnifies every skill because of the space out there, every pass is 10 yards further, you have to run that much further to make a tackle which you can’t miss, it is an extremely tough sport, but one you thoroughly enjoy when you get into it.”

GB head coach Simon Amor was keen for the 15s players he selected to have some past Sevens experience

Amor said: “We have watched a significant amount of footage throughout the season of 15-a-side players and every Sevens game from England, Scotland and Wales.

“For the 15s players aiming to make that transition, recent sevens experience at the top level was important given how much the world of sevens rugby has progressed in the last three to four years.”