20 Questions: Marcus Watson – England Sevens

What a year for England Sevens?
It's been awesome even if it's been up and down. The Olympic situation made it a bit more complicated. I thought the way we went about it was great and qualifying for Rio 2016 was a great outcome.
Ever doubted you were going to make the Top 4?
We never really thought about the Olympics beacause for a long part of the season it wasn't in our hands with Australia ahead of us. But it changed in Tokyo and from then on it did creep in a bit.
How big was winning the Tokyo tournament?
It was huge for the race to Rio but as a group it was very important. Guys like our captain Tom Mitchell or Dan Bibby had never won a tournament and it was Simon Amor's first as a coach too.
Jumping ship and returning to 15s next season?
Sevens has been great for me and I hope it's helped me with my 15s. I always looked at Sevens as a way to get back into 15s and Simon was very supportive in my project.
Why Newcastle? Fed up of the sun on the World Series?
The Falcons were the first club to be interested in me and after, speaking to Dean Richards, I thought they'd be a great fit for me. Their new 4G pitch was a big attraction too. It's nice to know I'll have a perfect track to play on every home games.
Could we still see you in Rio next summer?
Simon has been a huge help for me over the past two years. He's helped me with my move to Newcastle and once thing he said was that the England Sevens door will always be open.
All started at London Irish?
Yes I was in the academy with Jonathan Joseph and Marland Yarde. Then I moved to Saracens for a season before joining the Sevens program full-time.
What didn't work for you at Saracens?
I was playing Sevens and 15s at the same and I basically over trained trying to do too many things at once. I ended injuring my hip and I was out for half the season.
Any regrets?
I enjoyed my time at Saracens and I'm glad I gave it a try. I learnt a lot there – like not to over train!
Have you got a better step than your brother Anthony?
I think our little brother Calum has the best step to be honest. Between me and Anthony we'd probably beat each other a few times if we had one on ones.
Must be looking forward to facing next season then?
Exactly. I look forward to that one!
Is the all family excited about watching at the World Cup?
Definitely. We were all there for his first cap and to see how proud my dad looked was a special moment. If he makes the squad which I'm sure he will if he stays fit it'll be a proud moment to see him play in a World Cup.
Best and worst thing about being a Sevens player?
Travelling is actually both. It's lovely to see different parts of the world but once you've done it for a while going away for two-three weeks at a time makes you feel like you're always on the move. Constant ‘pre-season' before a tournament is not great either.
Any plans for the summer?
I've got quite a long break because I wasn't sure when I'd finish with England Sevens. I need to sort out a place in Newcastle as quickly as I can and keep myself fit before I link up with the squad.
What are your goals for the season?
Short term I just want to settle in well in Newcastle and get to know my teammates. Getting back into 15s will take some adjustment but after that I'd like to get some game time.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
Probably something to do with sport like PE teacher or something like that.
What annoys you the most in life?
Angry and bad drivers.
Three dinner guests?
Mike Tyson, David Beckham and Tommy Smith.
Best and worst banter in the England Sevens squad?
Dan Norton is the best and worst! Nine times out of ten he'll be terrible but he'll pull out a brilliant one. Shouts a lot but doesn't score often.
Best and worst dressed?
Christian Lewis-Pratt is the best and he'll love me for that but Dan is the worst and he'll hate me for it.