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S’pore should play 7s rugby to improve standards: Norton

SINGAPORE — Japan’s successful outings at last year’s Rugby 15s World Cup, where they beat South Africa, Samoa and the United States, and at last month’s Rio Olympics, where their sevens side shocked New Zealand en route to finishing fourth in the tournament, have shattered the myth that Asian teams lack the physicality, tactical nous and speed to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Norton conducting a rugby clinic for students at the Australian International School yesterday. He believes the sevens game helps to build up young kids for all levels of rugby. Photo: Wee Teck Hian

Norton conducting a rugby clinic for students at the Australian International School yesterday. He believes the sevens game helps to build up young kids for all levels of rugby. Photo: Wee Teck Hian

SINGAPORE — Japan’s successful outings at last year’s Rugby 15s World Cup, where they beat South Africa, Samoa and the United States, and at last month’s Rio Olympics, where their sevens side shocked New Zealand en route to finishing fourth in the tournament, have shattered the myth that Asian teams lack the physicality, tactical nous and speed to compete at the highest level of the sport.

While the standard of Singapore rugby remains quite a long way off that of Japan, who are ranked 12th in the world, England winger Dan Norton believes that the Republic will improve its world No 59 ranking, and overtake the likes of Malaysia (53th), Sri Lanka (40th) and even South Korea (29th) and Hong Kong (25th) by paying more attention to the sevens version of the game.

“It’s nice to see countries like Japan doing really well, and teams like Hong Kong and Sri Lanka are also getting stronger,” said Norton, who is in town after accepting an invitation by fitness community UFIT Urban Fitness (UFIT) to work with grassroots rugby and the Singapore Rugby Union (SRU).

“But for Singapore, I think it would be amazing if they have a specialist sevens team because it certainly would improve the level of rugby here. Sevens rugby grows a player’s core skills, and it’s fantastic in building up young kids and for all levels of rugby, because the game also teaches them how to work under fatigue and pressure.”

However, Norton admits that for players to be able to compete at such a high level, they will probably need to make it their full-time profession.

“In England, all of us are training full-time,” said the 28-year-old, who conducted a clinic for students at the Australian International School yesterday. “Over here, it’s like a second job, so they’re not able to focus as much time and effort and do as much specialist training as we can do in England.

“But if they can do that, then they’ll see their skill levels improve day on day. After that, it’s all about trying to play as much rugby as possible and be exposed to sevens at a high level.

“Singapore already has the infrastructure, and the facilities here are amazing. Now, it’s just about getting the right professional set-up and for all to work hard.”

Having played a crucial role in leading Great Britain to a silver medal at the Rio Games, Norton is now looking forward to the start of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, which begins in Dubai on Dec 2.

While England finished eighth last season, Norton believes they can go all the way in the new 10-leg tournament, which will once again include an April 15-16 stop in Singapore.

“It’s going to be hard, but our aim this year is to win the World Sevens Series,” said Norton. “We strive to be the No 1 team in the world and we’re working hard in training every day towards that goal.

“I think it’s going to be an exciting year again, especially with new coaches for some teams. You’re going to see some new approaches, techniques and tactics, and it’ll make for amazing viewing for the supporter.”

The 2017 HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens will take place April 15-16 next year at the National Stadium. Visit www.singaporerugby.com today and sign up as a “Gold Member” under the “Friends of Singapore Rugby” supporters scheme to enjoy incentives and discounts on pre-sale tickets (Platinum & Premium) for the 2017 Singapore Sevens. Terms and conditions apply.

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