Newcastle Falcons wing Marcus Watson will realise his Olympic dream next month after being named in Team GB’s rugby 7s squad for Rio de Janeiro.
The 25-year-old scored 11 tries in his 19 competitive appearances for the Falcons last season, having joined the Kingston Park club from the England 7s squad last summer.
Returning temporarily to the abbreviated code at the end of last season to pursue his Olympic ambitions, the London-born speedster has spent the past month as part of Team GB’s 24-man training squad, playing in tournaments in Russia, London and Exeter prior to final selection.
Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards expressed his delight at news of Watson’s inclusion, saying: “We are incredibly proud that Marcus will be part of the Olympic Games and we wish him all the best for his time over in Brazil.
“It is fantastic that rugby 7s has been welcomed into the games, it will help promote the sport to a new audience and for Marcus it is an amazing opportunity. He will be back with us in time to start the new Aviva Premiership season and from Newcastle Falcons’ perspective we look forward to hopefully having our first Olympic champion when he returns.”
Rugby 7s’ Olympic competition takes place from August 9-11 at the 15,000-capacity temporary Deodoro Stadium – Team GB pooled with World Cup holders New Zealand, Kenya and Japan in the group stages.
Sevens rugby also comes to Kingston Park Stadium on Saturday July 30 in the form of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s, which pits Newcastle Falcons against Sale Sharks, Leicester Tigers and Worcester Warriors in round-robin action. For tickets call 0871 226 6060.