Marcus Watson eyes Newcastle Falcons’ No.13 shirt

While Anthony Watson contemplates helping England on the road to World Cup glory, older brother Marcus has his own challenges to face at Newcastle.
Three-and-a-half years since his last game, the 24-year-old, scorer of 49 tries in an England Sevens shirt, has decided to try his luck at 15s again. And his future could lay at centre, not in the back three, his original position during brief spells at London Irish and Saracens.
“I had thought back three would be the position for me, with a preference for full-back, but there’s been some chat about potentially playing outside centre,” he told TRP.
“Dave Walder is keen to try me at 13 because of my ability to make an outside break and I’m happy to give it a go.”
Watson’s decision to join Newcastle came despite the lure of competing at the Olympics; however he may yet swap Kingston Park for Copacabana.
Watson, right, added: “I’ve always wanted to go back to 15s and I spoke with GB coach Simon Amor before I left England and he thought career-wise it would be a good move. He said the door is open for me when it comes to Sevens.
“I don’t know about the Olympics, and he probably doesn’t know either, but I’d never turn that opportunity down.
“If Simon was to say I have to play one tournament to get the chance to play in the Olympics, if I was allowed by Newcastle, it is something that I’d definitely love to do.
“I haven’t spoken to Newcastle about it yet. My focus is nailing down a position and trying to get as much game time as possible and playing well for Newcastle.”
Watson’s Premiership experience is limited to two bench appearances for Irish, the last against Northampton in November 2010.
“I’d like to think after three years with Sevens I go back to 15s a better rugby player,” said Watson, who shares his brothers’ competitive streak.
The youngest of the three, 18-year-old Callum, is a scrum-half with London Irish. “He is probably the most competitive of us all,” said Marcus.
“Growing up we’d play a lot of FIFA. Being oldest, I’d win most of the time and Anthony would start crying!
“It’s healthy competition between the three of us; they are good friends of mine and I think we help each other out as much as possible.
“It would be great for us as a family to watch Anthony in a home World Cup; we’ll be very proud.”
JON NEWCOMBE