If it wasn't for the COVID shutdown, Nathan Lawson would be probably trying his luck somewhere in Australia grabbing a spot on a Super Rugby training squad.
However, Lawson's Olympic dream has become a reality as he embraces his opportunity with the Australian Men's Sevens squad.
Watch every minute of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
With the COVID outbreaks restricting game-time and training opportunities ahead of the Tokyo Games, coach Tim Walsh was forced to look outside of the squad for added training members to ensure match fitness.
This provided Lawson with the chance to impress, immediately catching the eye of Walsh at training and intra-friendlies, quickly offering him a contract to join the squad full-time.
The Southern Districts flyer, who was a part of NSW's U17 winning team at the national Youth titles in 2016, admits the opportunity to join the squad and make his debut against New Zealand last week was surreal.
“It was an unreal experience playing against one of the best in the world,” he told Rugby.com.au.
“Being my first International game, coming in I was a bit nervous. The results didn’t go the plan but to get that experience and games under the belt was unreal.
“After a few weeks training with them, I felt comfortable and not too out of place...It was pretty surreal to get that call from him (Tim Walsh) and find out that I was playing and go overseas with them for a tournament. Hopefully, there’s more to come.
“I enjoy being around training and the coaching staff, it’s a very different vibe from 15’s and I’ve been enjoying every minute of it and looking forward to staying there.”
The prospect of playing in an Olympics hadn't sunk in for the former Junior Wallaby following the whirlwind period.
“If you asked me a year ago that I’d be in contention for any Olympic team, I would’ve laughed at you,” he said.
“It wasn’t even on my radar a year ago. I hadn’t even thought about it and now it being a reality and being in contention, I don’t know how to describe that.
“It’s pretty surreal.”
Making the transition from the 15-a-side, Lawson believes the rapid nature of the format can help refine and develop his skills as he switches between the two.
“Every little skill is magnified. Whether it’s tackling, passing or rucking, everything has to be perfect,” he said. “You have one little mistake, you’ll get penalised and other teams will target that.
“It’s pretty much just perfecting every little thing has been the biggest thing for me.
“Going forward and heading back to 15’s, it’s going to make me a better player.”
READ MORE:
HIGH HOPES: Rebels hopeful of bubble restart
HEY ARNOLD: Rennie impressed with Rory
WALLABY WATCH: Valetini takes top
