England Sevens player Marcus Watson signs for Newcastle Falcons
Tuesday 24 February 2015 10:17, UK
Newcastle Falcons have signed England Sevens player Marcus Watson.
The 23-year-old winger, who has had a full-time Sevens contract since 2012, will move to Kingston Park for next season.
Watson, the older brother of Bath and England star Anthony Watson, has played in 26 World Series Sevens tournaments, scoring 49 tries.
He was also a member of England's Commonwealth Games squad last year.
In the 15-a-side code, Watson earned England U18 and U20 representative honours, while he also made two Aviva Premiership appearances for London Irish.
"Marcus 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,” Falcons rugby director Dean Richards said.
"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.
“It is that sort of attitude that has brought him to our attention."
England Sevens head coach Simon Amor said Watson could still return to the sevens programme.
"The door is open for him to return, but we're hopeful that he can continue to progress and push for higher honours in the 15-a-side game," he said.
