The World 7s Series all-time leading try-scorer, Dan Norton was confirmed today as a member of the London Royals squad for the World Tens Series.
The Gloucester born winger, who was recently playing for London Irish in the Gallagher Premiership, will head out to Bermuda with several of his England 7s teammates and pull on the London Royals jersey.
Norton was at Richmond Rugby Club where he was training ahead of his departure for Bermuda.
“In light of what has happened over the last few months and going from prepping to play in the Olympics to then not having any rugby for a number of months, was a strange place to be, so it will be great to head out to Bermuda and play in a professional environment again.
“This is something we have done from a young age, so to be preparing again for that professional competition is something all the boys are looking forward to.”
Norton has limited Tens experience recalling one event he played in when he was 18 years old, but playing in this format is something that excites him.
“It has been said that it is a hybrid between the 7s and 15s formats, but from speaking to the boys, I think we are all looking forward to the unknown.
“There will be some technical and tactical differences but being able to blend that in over the three weeks is something that is definitely quite exciting.”
A number of Norton’s England 7s associates have also been announced in the Royals squad and getting to run out with them again, after not playing together since March, is one thing the winger is relishing.
“I’m looking forward to playing with my friends in the sevens programme, but also playing alongside guys I haven’t played with before.
“Alex Gray hasn’t played rugby in a few years but has great skills and will be an asset. There is the speed of a Tom Bowen and the big boys who can change direction like Rich De Carpentier and Alex Davis, obviously not forgetting the GB captain Tom Mitchell. It’s a strong squad and we are all looking forward to it.”
Norton and the London Royals will head out to Bermuda next Thursday to begin preparations for the series which starts on October 24th.
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