Olympic silver medallist Dan Norton announces rugby sevens retirement

Rugby Sevens 17 Apr 22

Olympic silver medallist Dan Norton announced his retirement from rugby sevens following the conclusion of the Canada Sevens tournament.

The all-time World Sevens Series top try-scorer formally announced the decision to hang up his boots after England’s 19-12 victory over Kenya at the tournament in Vancouver.

Norton has scored 358 tries for England and was also part of the Team GB side that scooped the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“It’s time to hang up the boots,” said Norton, who made his international sevens debut in 2009.

“I’ve loved every minute of it, I’ve loved being involved with England, with GB, I’ve loved being a part of amazing programmes over the years and if I keep talking I’m going to cry.

“It’s coming to an end but I’ve enjoyed the last 13, 14 years annoying the world, annoying my teammates - loved every minute of it.

“I love all the support from the guys at home and all across the world, this is an amazing sport, we love playing it, we love being involved, and it’s everything for us.”

A two-time Olympian, Norton competed in both 2016 and at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, narrowly missing out on the podium in Japan as Team GB lost the bronze medal match 17-12 to Argentina.

However, Norton did win a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 when representing England.

The 34-year-old ended his career at the conclusion of the Canadian leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series on Easter Sunday with his final game coming in England's 34-5 defeat to New Zealand in the fifth-place semi-final.

Norton said: “It’s been a tough couple of weeks being in Singapore and now here.

“Two good games for us, nice and close, great endeavour at the end there, working hard, sticking to our plan and the boys having that drive and opportunity to be better and growing through the game.”