Falcons add Sevens flyer to 2015/16 squad

by The TRU Team Tuesday 24 February 2015

Dean Richards happy to add Marcus Watson to the Falcons squad

©PA

Newcastle Falcons are delighted to announce today the signing of England 7s international star Marcus Watson, who has joined the North East club for the 2015/2016 season.

23 year old Watson, the elder brother of England and Bath Rugby’s Anthony, is a product of the London Irish Academy and has been part of the England 7s team since stepping into the playmaker role vacated by former Falcon Ben Gollings during the 2011/2012 season.

He has enjoyed great success on the 7s circuit, scoring a total of 49 tries across 26 HSBC Sevens World Series events and formed part of the squad that contested both the 2013 RWC Sevens in Moscow in and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

In the 15 a side game, Watson has represented England at U16, U18 & U20 levels and featured in the Junior World Championship in 2010. He has also made two appearances in the Aviva Premiership for the Exiles against Bath and Northampton Saints, before joining Saracens.

Speaking about the club’s new signing, director of rugby Dean Richards said: “I’m very pleased to have secured Marcus’ services for next season. He is a very talented player who has shown and developed a vast array of skills in his time on the sevens circuit and I am looking forward to seeing him translate those to the full 15 a side game.”

“He has shown a real desire to make an impression in 15s and it has impressed me that he has chosen to come to us and seize the opportunity when the Olympics in Rio are only 18 months away and it is that sort of attitude that has brought him to our attention.”

Marcus Watson said: "I've massively enjoyed my time with England Sevens. I came into the programme hoping to better myself as a player and I definitely feel like I have done that. It's been an amazing experience, and something I¹ll always be proud of.”

“I would encourage any young player to get into sevens, it's a brilliant game and I'm thankful for all that it's given me. I'm looking forward to heading up to Newcastle next season, it will be a new challenge for me, but one I'm excited about."