Former St George's College student Marcus Watson has turned down the chance to appear at the Brazil Olympics for life in Newcastle.

The 23-year-old, older brother of England international and fellow Old Georgian Anthony, this week penned a deal to join Premiership strugglers Newcastle Falcons.

The former London Irish academy youngster has starred for England Sevens in recent season scoring 49 tries across 26 HSBC Sevens World Series events.

The ex-England U20 international also formed part of the squad that contested both the 2013 RWC Sevens in Moscow in and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

He had seemed a certainty to be in the squad heading to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Games but will switch to Kingston Park in the summer instead.

And Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards admitted his decision to pass up the chance to appear at an Olympics proved his desire to succeed in the longer form of the game.

"Marcus is a very talented player who has shown and developed a vast array of skills in his time on the sevens circuit," he said.

"He has shown a real desire to make an impression in 15s and it has impressed me that he has chosen to come to us and seize the opportunity when the Olympics in Rio are only 18 months away.

"It is that sort of attitude that has brought him to our attention.”
 
Watson, who spent a spell on loan at London Welsh, said: "I've massively enjoyed my time with England Sevens.

"I came into the programme hoping to better myself as a player and I definitely feel I have done that. It's been an amazing experience, and something I'll always be proud of.
 
"I would encourage any young player to get into sevens, ¬ it's a brilliant game and I'm thankful for all that it's given me.

"I'm looking forward to heading up to Newcastle next season, it will be a new challenge for me, but one I'm excited about."