Norths' Blair Connor selected for Sevens
After an impressive debut as an invitational player for the Northern Territory Mosquitoes in last week-end’s Darwin Rugby Sevens, Norths and Queensland Under 19 player Blair Connor has earned selection in the Australian Sevens Team to play in the next round of the IRB International Rugby Sevens.
The first match is in Wellington on 2nd February, followed by San Diego, USA on Feb 10-11.
The 18 year old Connor is also expected to make his Premier Grade debut for Norths when the Brisbane Premier Competition commences on March 3, despite being eligible to play Colts I in 2007.
Norths Coaching Director Chris Roche who played with Australian Rugby Sevens Coach Glen Ella in the heyday of Australia’s dominance of International Rugby Sevens in the early 80’s, was in Darwin to witness Blair’s Sevens debut.
"Blair was not only watched by the Australian Sevens Selectors but also impressed All Black and Sevens Legend, Eric Rush, and former Wallaby great Tony Melrose,” Roche said.
“He has electrifying pace and the ability to step off either foot which will be an enormous asset to the Squad. I believe Blair has the self-discipline, application, temperament and talent to become a Wallaby in time, and with the excellent support structures that are in place in the QRU and the ARU, he is a star in the making.”
The Darwin Sevens, dubbed the ‘hottest sevens in the world”, was won 26-19 by Fiji, after a hard fought final against Australia. Fiji were forced to play most of the game with six men after one of their players was sent off in the first minute for a head-high tackle.
