A lot has changed in the Aussie Men’s Sevens programs since Tokyo, none more so than the rise and consistent success of the team.
Currently second on the World Series standings and having recently won the London leg of the Series, the team’s consistency is holding them in good stead as the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham looms.
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While a number of the program’s household names remain, a new generation is putting in the work on and off the field who continue to drive the team’s success, none more so than forward Nathan Lawson.
A product of Newington College and Southern Districts Rugby Club in Sydney's Shute Shield competition, Lawson first donned the gold jersey as a part of the Junior Wallabies program. A member of the program that beat the New Zealand U20s for the first time in the Championship history.
Lawson's debut for the Seven’s program on the World’s most prominent stage and was selected to earn his first start during the sides Tokyo Olympic campaign.
“Tokyo was my first taste of International Rugby, and it’s incredible to now look back on and realise my Australian debut was at the Olympics,” Lawson told RUGBY.com.au ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
“In hindsight, I took so much out of the experience, and I’m only really looking back on it with perspective now.
“I learnt a lot going to such a big event and leaving with a disappointing result and It’s left me hungry for success and none more than winning a gold medal at the commonwealth games.”
Making his World Series debut in Malaga, the forward scored three tries in his breakout tournament before being selected for the following weekend in Seville, where the team claimed silver.
As the team continued to focus on its consistency, Lawson channelled this and was again rewarded with selection for the Vancouver, Toulouse, and finally in the London leg of the Series, where the side claimed their first title since 2018.
Consistency has been a keyword for the sevens program, with Lawson noting a change in coaching staff aiding in improving his game, which in turn he hopes, in turn, will contribute to the team’s success in Birmingham.
“The change in coaches has helped shape the game, the balance of both Chucky and Johnny has continued to help build my sevens experience and enable me to perform at the top of my game.
“Before Tokyo, I had limited experience in the 7s format, but now my aim is to be playing those big minutes and contributing to the team during those pressure moments.”
As the team refines their preparation for the upcoming pool stages of the games, Lawson is confident that if he continues to focus on his consistency, he will be rewarded with regular minutes throughout the tournament.
“Our recent performance has given us a lot of confidence in our abilities, not to the point of arrogance, but we now know that if we continue to play our game consistently, results will come.”
Lawson thinks the team couldn’t have any more confidence as the Commonwealth Games pool matches approach, with their success in London further cementing their belief.
The team acknowledges that results don’t just happen; they still need to show up and play to the standards they’ve set for themselves. However, recent victories against New Zealand and reigning world champions South Africa remain cherished moments in Lawson’s so far short professional career.
With his parents Karen and Paul, older brother Hayden and girlfriend Abrielle watching on from back in Australia, Lawson hopes to add to those this coming weekend when the men kick off against Jamacia on Friday Afternoon.
