Norton is the leading global try-getter going into the final leg at the Marriott London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium this weekend. No Englishman – in a list including Ugo Monye and David Strettle – has scored more heavily in a single season.

The 24 year-old from Bristol has touched down 35 times on big stages everywhere from Hong Kong to Las Vegas on a world tour in which the eight tournament titles have been shared by five different teams so far.

Former England wing Robinson – their try scorer in the 2003 World Cup final victory – admits he wants to see ‘speed, good feet and skills’ more than scrums and lineouts these days.

And the likes of England’s Norton and Mat Turner, and New Zealand’s Lomu-like wing Frank Halai, have provided exactly that since the series kicked off on the Gold Coast in Queensland six months ago.

The single snapshot highlight? Norton’s astonishing try in Hong Kong against Australia, starting from behind his own line before he beat three opponents to go the length of the field and snatch victory on the final play, might just be the best of the lot.

“When you’re playing 15s you are aware of sevens because everyone loves playing it but what I’ve seen this season has been amazing,” said Robinson, an HSBC Ambassador.

“I’ve been astonished going to the different legs as to how much interest has been generated. For guys like Norton, who’s just re-signed for England, it’s fantastic. The best players love big stages and the HSBC Sevens World Series gives them that worldwide.

“I’m a big Dan Norton fan. He’s England’s go-to man. If you want a try you get the ball to him and he’s proved he is a match winner. He’s got great feet and blistering pace.

“In Hong Kong, against Australia, England were down and he got them a try from behind his own line. Not many people can do that. It was like watching a great sprinter. Dan’s England’s most potent weapon.

“These guys are some of the fastest around. I was quick over 40 metres but these guys are sprinters. As Dan showed against Australia, you might have to go 115 metres from behind your own goal line. People expect him to score every time.”

England, third in the series rankings, have enjoyed a rollercoaster season, winning the Dubai title, beaten in several semis and reaching the final in Glasgow last weekend with an evolving all-court style of play that has seen them consistently defeating second-placed Fiji but only able to unseat leaders New Zealand once.

The Marriott London Sevens offers them the chance to finish on a high in front of 100,000 fans over the two days full of the sort of action Robinson relishes.

“London is a party event, lots of tries and a great way of getting people involved in the game,” he said.

“The emphasis is on ball-in-hand rugby, using your feet, using your speed. I’ve got a lot of respect for scrums and lineouts but I want to be entertained. What I want to see is speed, good feet and skills.”

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY COACHES VISIT THE U.S.A. TO PROMOTE & DEVELOP RUGBY

Premiership Rugby is travelling to the United States of America at the end of May to play a key role in the development and promotion of rugby in the country.

12 coaches, one from each of the Premiership Rugby clubs, will be travelling to New York along with four members of Premiership Rugby’s Community Team to help promote the game.  The visit follows Premiership Rugby’s successful trip to Brazil in March to help in the development of rugby in South America.

The core values of rugby will be used by coaches in their work with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in New York to help improve self-esteem, community cohesion and other social outcomes.

The visit will run from 28th May to 2nd June and involves the following Premiership Rugby coaches:  Caryl Thomas from Bath Rugby, Marc Dibble from Exeter Chiefs, David Barley from Gloucester Rugby, Thomas Williams from Harlequins, Christophe Ridley from Leicester Tigers, Michael Crump from London Irish, Ian Isham from London Wasps, Gavin Beasley from Newcastle Falcons, Benjamin Mann from Northampton Saints, Richard Spencer from Sale Sharks, Max Malkin from Saracens and Tamara Taylor from Worcester Warriors, alongside Wayne Morris, Sophie Hartley, Helen Clayton and Scott Watson from Premiership Rugby’s Community Department.  

On Thursday 31st May Premiership Rugby coaches will help launch the Great Campaign Sports Festival, a touch tournament in Central Park, and then will be attending an end-of-season awards event in Harlem with youngsters’ friends and family.

On Friday 1st June, the Public School Athletics League High School Rugby 7s Final will be taking place in New York.  During the week leading up to the Final and for the Final itself, two Premiership Rugby coaches and one Play Rugby USA coach will be assigned to mentor each school.

On Saturday 2nd June, Premiership Rugby will be running fan engagement fitness testing sessions in the fans village at the 2012 USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championship in Philadelphia, where the Aviva Premiership Rugby trophy will also be on display.

Premiership Rugby’s Community Department has developed a number of ground-breaking initiatives including the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme, the award winning MBNA Tackling Numbers project and the award winning and innovative social inclusion programme Hitz, as well as the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Cup, and ESPN Premiership Rugby Masterclasses.

Wayne Morris, Head of Community at Premiership Rugby, said “Each season Premiership Rugby and its clubs invest more than £3 million in a variety of community programmes which aim to grow grassroots participation and tackle core social issues.  In the last year alone, Premiership Rugby clubs delivered 150,000 man-hours of community programming to more than 240,000 participants. Premiership Rugby also provides 600 professional players, each a strong role model within their communities, who are involved in supporting the schemes.  Our programmes prove that we are a world leader when it comes to our community initiatives, and I’m delighted we have been given the chance to come to the USA to help promote and grow the game.”

Mark Griffin, President of Play Rugby USA (PRUSA), said: “Play Rugby USA is one of the foremost Rugby-based youth development programs in the world. The PRUSA Academy aspires to be the pinnacle of PRUSA’s player development efforts for aspiring and talented young athletes. Partnering with Premiership Rugby and the world’s most competitive domestic rugby competition not only provides a strong endorsement of our Academy’s efforts but more importantly an opportunity for our players and coaches to develop with the support of a World Class partner.”

Dan Lyle, Executive Vice President of USA Sevens Rugby and a former Premiership Rugby player, said: “At the USA Collegiate Rugby Championship Finals we marry up development and aspirational opportunities for players and coaches.  Premiership Rugby runs the top club competition globally and the partnership continues our efforts of partnering with World Class groups.”

More than 90,000 tickets have been sold for the tournament – launched today at the EDF Energy London Eye and the London Marriott Hotel County Hall with coaches and captains from the competing nations – and this weekend’s total attendance is expected to climb past last year’s high of 100,094.

The Marriott London Sevens is also the final major event in the calendar before the sport is welcomed into the Olympic family after the London 2012 Games, and for the first time both men’s and women’s events will be staged at Twickenham.

New Zealand are close to completing the defence of their overall HSBC Sevens World Series title, with Fiji in second place. Dubai champions England are in third and aiming to finish on a high after their impressive performances at Glasgow last weekend.

The IRB Women’s Challenge Cup sees England aiming to add more silverware to their collection after lifting the Hong Kong title with hot competition expected from the likes of World Cup winners Australia and Dubai title-holders Canada.

The tournament’s ‘70s Disco theme will attract thousands in fancy dress and create a carnival atmosphere with house band Love Train playing live inside the stadium and a Funky Town fan village in the West Car Park as well as a host of other entertainment for supporters of all ages.

Rob Andrew, RFU Professional Rugby Director, said: “The Marriott London Sevens continues to grow and get bigger and better each year both on and off the pitch, which is a testimony to the strength of the event and the appeal of the sport.

“This weekend, for the first time, Twickenham Stadium is the finale of what may be the most competitive HSBC Sevens World Series of them all.

“The athleticism and skill levels of the players are astonishing now and that goes for the women’s game as well as the men’s, with two competitions running alongside each other throughout the weekend.”

Ben Ryan, England Sevens Head Coach, said: “We get great support around the world from England fans but there’s nothing we enjoy more than coming home to Twickenham Stadium, where we get great support and where the atmosphere will be electric this weekend.

“Over this season we’ve made some decent progress and England has got two players at the top of the try-scoring charts for the first time ever in Dan Norton and Mat Turner. They are part of a team committed to playing an exciting brand of sevens that we hope will have the crowd on their feet.

“It’s important for us to finish on a high here. We believe we’re at the start of something special with England Sevens and we want to increase the momentum all the way from here to challenge for the title next season before heading to the World Cup in Russia next summer.”

Beth Coalter, IRB Sevens Tournament Director, said: “It is hugely exciting for everyone to be in London for the climax of 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series. The prospect of playing at a packed Twickenham is something that is very special for all of the players and to launch it today on the London Eye with a birds-eye view of the city is stunning.

“From the top you can just about make out London’s new Olympic venues, which also serves of a stark reminder that Rugby Sevens makes its Olympic debut in Rio in just four years’ time. I’m sure the finest men’s and women’s Sevens players in the world will put on a show this weekend, deliver a taster of what is to come at Rio 2016 and repay what is expected to be another record crowd for Sevens.”

Join the 70s Disco at the Marriott London Sevens. Tickets are now available for the ninth and final leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series this weekend on 12th & 13th May 2012, with weekend passes starting from £30, single day tickets from £18 and kids tickets at £5 each day.

Tickets will be available in advance until midday on Friday 11thMay, and then in person from the RFU Ticket Office across the weekend. Visit www.rfu.com/londonsevensfor further details.  (Tickets are subject to availability and booking fees apply).

Pilgrim, 26, who joins Jimmy Gopperth, Ally Hogg and Rob Vickers on the committed list, reveals he is excited at the prospect of developing his game under the stewardship of incoming director of rugby Dean Richards.

He told the Falcons official website: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract and I am really looking forward to working under Dean Richards.

“The fact that Dean Richards is coming in has had a massive bearing on my decision to stay in the North East and there is certainly a very bright future for the club.

“I want to be a part of something special here – now my aim is to get my head down and keep working hard in training.”

The Birkenhead-born No.9 has competed with Will Chudley and latterly Peter Stringer for a starting berth this campaign.

Pilgrim admits Ireland international Stringer has had a significant impact on his game since joining the Falcons on loan from Munster.

“Peter [Stringer] has really helped my game both on and off the field,” said Pilgrim.

He added: “The way he goes about his business from a game management point of view and how he interacts with the forwards is world class.

“I have learnt a lot from him in recent weeks and I cannot wait to develop my skills in pre-season. Since Gary [Gold] came in things have also improved for me.”

Joining the Falcons in the summer of 2009 from Championship outfit Nottingham, Pilgrim played a key role in helping his side lift the J.P Morgan Premiership Rugby 7’s trophy last year.

The former Loughborough student believes the Falcons can go all the way to the top with the backing of owner Semore Kurdi.

He said: “Semore is very passionate about rugby in the North East and he wants the Falcons to go all the way to the top.

“He has signalled his intent with a number of changes such as the restructuring of the academy, the new medical suite and of course the appointment of Dean.”

Barry Maddocks has been appointed to the newly created position of full time England Women’s Sevens Head Coach.

Maddocks, who has been coaching the England Women’s Sevens team on a sessional basis, will now join Gary Street and Graham Smith as part of the England Women’s coaching team which is overseen by RFUW Head of Performance Nicola Ponsford.

45 applicants from around the world applied for the position, which will see the England Head Coach lead England into the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia, participate in an IRB Women’s World Sevens Series next season and help build towards Rugby Sevens’ inclusion in the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The shortlisted candidates underwent a rigorous interview process with Gary Street, England Women’s Head Coach, Nigel Redman, RFU Elite Coach Development Manager and Ben Ryan, England Men’s Sevens Head Coach on the interview panel.

“Following a very thorough and competitive interview process I am pleased to announce that Barry Maddocks has been appointed as the full time England Women’s Sevens Head Coach,” said Ponsford. “The level of applicants for this role was very high and we are delighted that Barry has agreed to join us. Barry was outstanding in the interview process and was the stand out candidate for us, demonstrating his excellent in depth knowledge of Sevens.

“This fulltime appointment underlines our commitment to Sevens as well as XVs Rugby. Barry will be joining a well-established EPS team and his specific in depth knowledge in Sevens will certainly help shape our team.”

Ryan added: “Barry was an outstanding candidate in a very competitive field and I’d like to wish him and the England Women’s sevens team every success in the coming years. They’ve made great progress this season and their performances in Dubai and in Hong Kong were outstanding. There’s a strong bond between our two teams and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Barry, his staff and players.”

Maddocks has already tasted success with the England Women’s Sevens team, leading them to two finals in the IRB Women’s Challenge Cup Sevens in Dubai and Hong Kong. In Dubai, a young England side finished second to Canada, but in Hong Kong in March England lifted the title when they saw off world champions Australia 15-10.

Maddocks, who is currently in camp with the England Women’s team ahead of this weekend’s Marriott London Sevens and the final round of the IRB Women’s Challenge Cup, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for me. Women’s international Sevens is gathering at a great pace following the introduction of the IRB Women’s Challenge Cup programme and then the World Cup next year, and looking further ahead with the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics in 2016.

“I am delighted to be joining a well-established and extremely talented coaching team and looking forward to getting the best out of all our England players in both Sevens and XVs. We already have a talented pool of players, but we are constantly looking to develop our players, including our future stars of tomorrow, and by boosting our coaching set-up we can continue to do that.”

The former Bristol wing faces competition from two New Zealanders – half back Tomasi Cama and wing Frank Halai – for the accolade, which will be presented after the ninth and final leg of this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series at Twickenham next weekend.

Turner, 24, has enjoyed a spectacular season playing at centre of half back, scoring eight tries in six games at last weekend’s Glasgow Sevens, where England were beaten 29-14 in the final by New Zealand.

One of 12 full-time contracted sevens players on England’s books, he has scored 33 tries this season – only two less than teammate Dan Norton, who leads the series try table going into the Marriott London Sevens.

England have provided two of the previous winners of the IRB award, Simon Amor scooping the prize in 2004 and Ollie Phillips in 2009. Cecil Afrika (South Africa) picked up last season’s honours.

Turner said: “It’s a real honour to be nominated and to be held in that regard by your peers. My form’s been good this season but I get put in the position to score the tries and it’s a team effort. I’ve just found myself in the right place at the right time – so I can’t complain about that!”

In the draw for the Marriott London Sevens, England will compete in Pool B against the USA, France and Samoa on day one.

Rob has been attached to the Harlequins Academy since July 2007 and made his senior, starting debut in the Aviva Premiership on 31stMarch 2012 against Saracens at Wembley Stadium. He has also played for England at under 16, under 18 and under 20 age levels and was among the stand out players for England in last year’s final of the IRB Junior World Cup.

“Rob is one of the best up and coming English hookers,” said John Kingston, Harlequins Head Coach, when he announced the re-signing today (17thApril).  “He is a joy to work with and has already made an impressive impact at senior level.  We look forward to developing him to his full potential to reach the heights of our other home grown players that are already playing for England. We are delighted to have him commit his future with us.”

Commenting on his new contract Rob Buchanan said, “I am very excited about being part of this Harlequins squad going forward.  We have a talented group with a lot of world class players in it and have a real chance of winning some silverware over the next few seasons. I feel this is the best place for my development under the guidance of the club’s quality coaching team.”

Player Profile at a Glance

• Name:                                      Rob Buchanan (20)
• Position:                                   Hooker
• International caps:                     –
• Other representative honours:    England U16, U18, U20
• Date of Birth:                            13th May 1991
• Former Clubs:                           –
• Height:                                      1.83m (6’ 0”)
• Weight:                                     105kg (16st 7lbs)

Speaking of the decision Cardiff Blues Chief Executive, Richard Holland, said:

“Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell must be commended for getting the team to the quarter final of the Heineken Cup.”

“Being in the top eight teams in Europe is no mean feat.”

“However, there is no doubting that it has been a difficult first season for them in charge of the senior side, the financial constraints being announced and players departing has contributed to this.”

“Both coaches came through the Blues system and have done a superb job developing some world class players such as Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny and Bradley Davies during their time coaching our Academy.”

“They have continued to develop players this season in the senior side bringing on the likes of Harry Robinson, Dan Fish and Luke Hamilton.”

“Following a meeting of the Cardiff Blues board it has been decided that we will start the search for a fulltime Director of Rugby to manage all rugby matters at the region from next season.”

“Gareth and Justin will continue in their roles but the appointment of a Director of Rugby will strengthen our Rugby Department going forward.”

“This is a positive step for the Blues as we aim to build an exciting, young squad for the future that includes a core base of Wales Grand Slam winning players.”

“The search for the new Director of Rugby will begin immediately.”

“We are looking for a candidate who has had previous experience in this role and obviously an excellent understanding of Welsh rugby.”

“Needless to say our focus remains firmly on finishing the season strongly, starting with our match against Edinburgh on Sunday at the Cardiff City Stadium.”

Farrell said: “It has been a special privilege for me to be involved in the Saracens coaching staff for the past two-and-half seasons. We have made decent progress during this period but, in truth, as a club, we have barely scratched the surface of our potential. The job isn’t anywhere near half done, and I have decided I want to help finish the job.”

The RFU’s Ian Ritchie said: “Whilst Andy was clearly an important part of the coaching team during the course of the RBS 6 Nations, we fully respect his wishes to continue as a coach at Saracens.

“We will continue to work hard with Stuart Lancaster to build a world class coaching team as we look towards the Rugby World Cup in 2015.”

12 of the world’s best Women’s Sevens teams participated in the inaugural IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup in Dubai in December and for England they had to settle for second best after losing to Canada in the final.

This time around England and Canada are the hot favourites again, with Sevens world champions Australia also in the mix, but England will be looking to go one better this time.

Six Nations Grand Slam champion Michaela Staniford leads an experienced Sevens squad for this tournament, that sees the likes of Alice Richardson, Heather Fisher and Rachael Burford – all 2009 RWC Sevens survivors – recalled into the squad.

Skipper Staniford said: “We are coming to Hong Kong with a squad that has experience but also some young but seriously talented players. We are really excited about this challenge and to be involved in another historic tournament for Women’s Sevens rugby.”

England have been drawn in Pool B of the 12-team women’s tournament and will face Japan and China in the initial stages on Friday, March 23. If they top their pool, they will then contest the knock out stages of the Challenge Cup on Saturday at the infamous Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday alongside the men’s HSBC World Sevens Series.

“There are some very strong teams in this tournament and we will have to work hard and be on the top of our game to achieve our goal, which is to better our result in Dubai,” added Staniford. “But at the same time, this tournament is a stepping stone in the squad’s development as we look forward to the London Marriot Sevens in May, and also the 2013 World Cup qualifiers in Moscow.

“We played China in Dubai and they ran us close in the first game. They are a very organised team and they are not afraid to use their pace. Japan, meanwhile, look like a very organised side with some very quick and agile players. It is going to be an exciting first day of women’s sevens rugby.”

England Sevens Squad for Hong Kong

Rachael         Burford (Richmond)

Abigail            Chamberlain(Richmond)

Heather          Fisher (Worcester)

Sonia Green (VC)    (Saracens)

Sarah Guest(Worcester)

Isabelle          Noel-Smith    (Bristol)

Alice   Richardson   (Richmond)

Leanne          Riley   (Saracens)

Michaela        Staniford (C)(Wasps)

Lydia  Thompson     (Worcester)

Joanne          Watmore        (Worcester)

Kay Wilson (Bristol)

Hong Kong IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup Schedule

Friday, 23rd March 2012, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley

910am local time: England v China

1150am local time: England v Japan

14:00  Bowl SF         3rd Pool A v 3rd Pool B     

14:40  Plate SF         2nd Pool A v 2nd Pool B  

15:00  Plate SF         2nd Pool C v 2nd Pool D  

16.40 Bowl FINAL

Hong Kong Football Club – HK Stadium  

18:12 PLATE Final, Hong Kong Football Club – HK Stadium 

Saturday, 24th March 2012, Hong Kong Football Club – HK Stadium  

11:42  Cup SF          1st Pool A                  v          1st Pool B    

16:50  CUP Final