Global Partners
Global Partners
label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text
Listen Live
  • Get Tickets
  • Video
  • News
  • Teams
  • Get Tickets
  • Video
  • News
  • Teams
  • Venue
  • Qualifying
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ Tickets
  • About RWC Sevens
  • Media
  • Contact Us
World Rugby
Website language
English
  • English
  • Français
  • Español
  • 日本語
Website language
English
  • English
  • Français
  • Español
  • 日本語
  • About RWC Sevens
  • Media
  • Contact Us
Latest News
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Black Ferns Sevens renew riveting rivalry with Australia on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia wrapped up the 2022 Series title in Langford, but the Black Ferns Sevens left Canada with plenty to celebrate as they begin a busy period.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 3 May, 2022
4 min read
Madagascar Women's Sevens
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: Madagascar latest team to book ticket to Cape Town

Following another intense weekend of qualifying action we now know the identity of 12 women's and 20 men's teams who will compete at RWC Sevens 2022.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 2 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC Spain Sevens Seville 2022 - Women's
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe keen to drive Ireland onto Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

We spoke to the prolific Ireland star about backing up the team’s success in Seville and plotting their path to Cape Town in September.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 26 April, 2022
4 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
5 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Everything you need to know about Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Your guide to RWC Sevens 2022, which will take place in Cape Town between 9-11 September this year.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Fri 8 April, 2022
5 min read
Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens 2021 - Men's
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Perfection, not silverware, the focus for South Africa and Selvyn Davids

We caught up with the Blitzboks star, who has helped guide his side to the top of the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings as the countdown continues to their home Rugby World Cup Sevens.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 5 April, 2022
3 min read
2018 Highlights
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
08:29 mins

Highlights: New Zealand win big in San Francisco

New Zealand retained their Rugby World Cup Sevens title in San Francisco
Mon 23 July, 2018
08:29 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
07:03 mins

Highlights: New Zealand women's win Rugby World Cup Sevens

Check out all the top action as New Zealand win The Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco
Sun 22 July, 2018
07:03 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
06:30 mins

HIGHLIGHTS: Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two

Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two of action at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 #RWC7s
Sun 22 July, 2018
06:30 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day One
06:51 mins

Highlights: Men's quarter-finals decided

Men's quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup Sevens decided after incredible first day at AT&T Park
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:51 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
06:26 mins

Highlights: Women's semi-finals confirmed at Rugby World Cup Sevens

Championship semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day one of action
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:26 mins
rugby sevens
Wednesday 27 April, 2022
5 min read

Dan Norton tribute: “I don’t think we’ll see his like again”

Former England sevens coaches, Mike Friday, Simon Amor, Damian McGrath and Ben Ryan are united in their belief that the all-time record try-scorer on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series was a true one-off.
  • label.share.via_facebook_messenger
  • label.share.via_whatsapp
  • label.share.via_facebook
  • label.share.via_twitter
  • label.share.via_copy
    URL Copied

It is every professional sportsperson’s goal to bow out at the very top of their game, and in terms of rugby sevens, no one could have got much higher than the recently retired Dan Norton.

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series’ most prolific try-scorer announced that the HSBC Canada Sevens in Vancouver last weekend would be his 92nd and last tournament, leaving him one behind his former England team-mate and record appearance holder James Rodwell.

But one area where Norton is untouched – and will continue to be, according to those in the know – is in the try-scoring stakes, where his record of 358 World Series tries is 79 more than his nearest rival, Kenya’s Collins Injera.

That’s certainly the belief of Mike Friday, who knows a thing or two about try-scoring speedsters having coached double try centurions, Carlin Isles and Perry Baker, in his role as head coach of the US Men’s Sevens Eagles.

“I don’t think anyone will get near him (in terms of tries), although I think (Seabelo) Senatla would have been very close had he stayed on the sevens circuit,” Friday said.

“Unlike Senatla, who has always played in a really good team, Norts has had to ride the rollercoaster at times because England haven’t always been as consistent as we’d have probably all liked them to be. But what has been consistent is his ability to find the way to the try line.”

🔥 @Dan_Norton4 doing Dan Norton things#HSBC7s | @EnglandRugby pic.twitter.com/rGoUBT30dA

— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) October 7, 2021

Gas to burn

Friday was also England coach when a raw Norton first emerged on the scene, taking him to Dubai with the Sporting Chance Samurai team as something of an unknown entity from Gloucester.

“You could see had wheels, you could see he had a great in-and-away break even at 19,” said Friday.

“Physically he still needed to develop and work on his game and you’ve seen that happen through the years.

“He always used to be that great attacking player but he has worked on his defence and has become a very competent defender.

“The thing that sets him apart as a winger on the sevens circuit is his left foot chip and chase, his ability to chip on the run and regather made him a deadly finisher.

“Carlin and Perry look at his chip and chase and say that’s something they wanted to get in their game because he was deadly at it. It’s a real skill he worked hard on and perfected over the years.”

Friday is convinced that without COVID-19 bringing the World Series to an abrupt stop in 2020, Norton would have gone on to become the first player to appear in more than 100 tournaments.

From the time he made his World Series debut against France in Wellington in February 2009, Norton has barely missed out with his lightning-quick pace making him an indispensable member of the England squad.

The 34-year-old also appeared in three Commonwealth Games and a couple of Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments for England as well as winning the silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Team GB, and that's not forgetting the brief spells he had in 15s with his hometown club Gloucester, Moseley, Bristol and London Irish.

“A phenomenal athlete”

For the quickest of racehorses, as Friday likes to describe him, Norton was blessed with the durability to last the distance.

“Dan Norton was a one-off, he had an incredible amount of energy which he showed both on the pitch and off the pitch,” said his former England and Team GB head coach Simon Amor.

“He will obviously be known for his try-scoring record and his speed and evasion but what really sets him apart for me, and I don’t think anyone in the world comes close to it is repeatability – his ability to do it again and again and again … to beat several players, run the length of the field and then go again. It was truly outstanding.

“He’s a phenomenal athlete, and I think that came down to his love of the game and his love of training and getting better.

“I can count on one hand the training sessions he missed in eight years that I was fortunate enough to get a ringside ticket to watch him train and play. He was truly committed and a brilliant advocate of rugby sevens, England Sevens and GB Sevens and one that I think we won’t see again in this world.”

An update on @Dan_Norton4 🌹 pic.twitter.com/Y37w3W9DOz

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) April 17, 2022


If only he was Fijian …

Echoing that sentiment is 2016 Olympic gold medal-winning coach, Ben Ryan, who handed Norton his debut in Wellington. Two games into his World Series career, Norton repaid the faith shown in him with the first of his 358 tries, scored against Canada.

“Often you have sprinters in the sevens game who have one or two good runs in them and you almost need two to three minutes for them to regenerate and get going again.

“But Dan can do effort on effort and he proved that by smashing a lot of back-to-back England fitness tests which were a league above the test team wingers at the time. I know they are different games but it goes to show you how world-class athletically he was.

“There are times when he has got the England team out of jail by literally creating something out of nothing through his acceleration.

“The Fijian boys always said to me if he played for Fiji he’d have scored 100 tries a year, and they are probably right because he would have thrived in that sort of class a team.

“Saying that, the England team that he played in, in 2009/10/11, was certainly up there as a world-class team and he was a huge part of that. He’s an amazing player, a top bloke and I have got all the time in the world for him.”

A ”bloody good bloke”

That admiration and respect is shared by Damian McGrath, another to see at first-hand Norton’s professionalism and class in the England setup.

Having also coached Canada, Samoa and now Germany on the World Series, McGrath also knew what a nightmare he was to defend against.

“Dan Norton is the undisputed try-scoring king of sevens, but there was far more to his game than just an ability to run fast,” said McGrath.

“He developed into a player who could read the game as well as any halfback and exploit weaknesses and opportunities in the blink of an eye.

“Yes, his blistering pace gave him an edge, but the second half of his career saw him develop into an all-round player who could tackle, steal the ball and provide for his team-mates.

“This, of course, didn’t happen by chance, like all great players his work ethic and desire meant he never accepted second best.

“I was fortunate to coach him with England Sevens and was surprised just how skilful a player he was. 

“I always felt he was a “confidence” player and the belief that England showed in him meant that coaching against him over the years has been very difficult.

 “I’m sure the accolades will roll in for Norts and rightly so but I hope that as well as acknowledging his rugby prowess they mention that he is also a bloody good bloke!”

Trending News Show all
2018 Commonwealth Games women's final
3 min read

Commonwealth Games

All the build-up to rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games 2022

Now that the line-ups are complete in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, we take a look at who has won gold in the past and the sides competing to add their names to the roll call of honour in July.

Commonwealth Games

Wed 11 May, 2022
3 min read
Madagascar qualify for rugby world cup sevens
4 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Discipline and hard work at the heart of Madagascar's success on the road to Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

The Madagascar women's sevens team has achieved their historic dream of qualifying for a Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament for the first time. At the heart of this achievement lies a lot of hard work, determination and discipline.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Wed 11 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Seven women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series players to watch in Toulouse

Following an exciting weekend in Langford we look at seven women’s stars who could light up Toulouse between 20-22 May.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 5 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Black Ferns Sevens renew riveting rivalry with Australia on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia wrapped up the 2022 Series title in Langford, but the Black Ferns Sevens left Canada with plenty to celebrate as they begin a busy period.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 3 May, 2022
4 min read
Madagascar Women's Sevens
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: Madagascar latest team to book ticket to Cape Town

Following another intense weekend of qualifying action we now know the identity of 12 women's and 20 men's teams who will compete at RWC Sevens 2022.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 2 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
7 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia clinch overall 2022 series title while late Lily Dick try gives them Cup win in Langford

Hosts Canada took fifth place while Ireland flyer Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe bagged 12 tries as they won bronze in the HSBC Canada Sevens in Langford.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Mon 2 May, 2022
7 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
5 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia edge towards HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series glory in Langford as New Zealand provide thrills on return

Australia are closing in on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series title after a perfect start to the penultimate event of the season in Canada, while the Black Ferns came back with a bang at the Starlight Stadium.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Sun 1 May, 2022
5 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Captains on top of the world ahead of the HSBC Canada Women's Sevens in Langford

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returns to the home of Rugby Canada after a 1,083 day break as Australia look to clinch their first Series title since to 2018.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Fri 29 April, 2022
3 min read
Santiago Gómez Cora
5 min read

rugby sevens

Santiago Gómez Cora: “You have to be patient, trust a lot and do the hard work”

World Rugby caught up with Los Pumas Sevens coach about Argentina’s recent win in the HSBC Canada Sevens and what it means to him going forward.

rugby sevens

Thu 28 April, 2022
5 min read
Charlotte Caslick
3 min read

HSBC Sevens Series

Series title within Australia’s reach as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series returns to Langford

We spoke to Australia co-captain Charlotte Caslick about her team's mindset heading into this weekend's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series stop in Langford knowing they can wrap up the series title.

HSBC Sevens Series

Wed 27 April, 2022
3 min read
Global Partners
label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text
  • Rugby World Cup Limited © 2007 - 2022. All Rights Reserved.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookies Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Rugby World Cup Sevens
  • World Rugby Media Zone
Website language
English
  • English
  • Français
  • Español
  • 日本語