Norton returns to FxPro Rugby

International Sports

Norton returns to FxPro Super Rugby.Former Wallaby Sam Norton-Knight will return to FxPro Super Rugby after signing with the Emirates Western Force for two seasons.

Having previously played one season with the Brumbies (2005) and four with the NSW Waratahs (2006-2009), the 28-year-old more recently spent one season with Wales’ Cardiff Blues before joining the Panasonic (formerly Sanyo) Wild Knights in 2010, where he won a Top League title in his first season (22-17 over Toyota) and finished runner-up to Suntory in 2011 (37-20) and 2012 (21-9).

Having already recorded 49 Super Rugby caps with the Waratahs and nine with the Brumbies, Norton-Knight brings with him a wealth of top-level rugby experience, which has also seen him represent his country on two occasions.

In the absence of regular playmaker Stephen Larkham, Norton-Knight was selected as starting flyhalf in the Wallabies’ 29-23 win over Wales in Sydney in 2007 before scoring his first international try – as a replacement – in the Wallabies’ 49-0 win over Fiji in Perth a fortnight later.

Norton-Knight, who can cover flyhalf, fullback and inside centre, says he’s looking forward to returning to FxPro Super Rugby.

“This wasn’t an opportunity I thought I’d have when I left in 2009,” he said. “I will have been away for four seasons and the timing was right to come back to Australia and I’m really excited about this opportunity that’s been presented at the Force.

“I’m very keen to test myself in Super Rugby again, particularly with the [British and Irish] Lions touring next year. There are a number of players who have had success after coming back from Japan to play in Australia and this only confirmed my decision to return.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge as I’m enjoying my rugby now more than I probably have before. There is a phenomenal culture and training regime in these Japanese sides, and it’s taught me that the more you put in, the more you’ll enjoy your rugby. It’s also been fantastic playing under [former All Blacks flyhalf] Tony Brown, who’s probably had more of an influence on my game than anyone else.”

Norton-Knight says he’s looking forward to donning the Emirates Western Force colours and enjoying the lifestyle on offer in Perth.

“I’ve been to Perth a number of times and I’ve always loved it there,” he said. “I’ve also kept in touch with guys like Brett Sheehan, who not only says it’s a great place to live but a fantastic place to play your footy as well.

“When I played Super Rugby, of all the Australian teams, the Force was always one of the toughest and a team I didn’t particularly enjoy playing against. Those are the teams you want to be playing for and obviously we’ll be doing what we can to make life difficult for other teams on the field next year.”

RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid says in addition to his on-field performances, Norton-Knight will play a crucial role as a senior member of the Emirates Western Force.

“Sam comes to us with considerable rugby knowledge and as a well-travelled footballer,” he said. “He’s been a part of a number of successful sides, including starting for the Waratahs in their 2008 Super 14 final and winning a Top League premiership in Japan.

“He’s a versatile player with a first-class running, kicking and passing game and he’s got a lot to offer this side in 2013.

“Through the recruitment of Sias Ebersohn and Junior Rasolea we have some outstanding young talent, but it’s important to balance that with experience which is something Sam certainly provides. Not only has he played at Test level but he’s had significant experience in this competition and overseas which can only benefit him as a player as well as the broader development of the team.”