Jackson Prodigy To Play Sevens For Wales

Nathan Palmer beat Jackson’s 100m junior hurdles world record in a time of 12.93sec, was the third-fastest hurdler in Europe in 2000 and won a silver medal in the youth Olympic games in 1998.

But now, at the age of 20, he has turned his attention to rugby.

Palmer also clocked a time that beats anything former Wales and Cardiff wing and Olympic hurdles semi-finalist Nigel Walker had to offer at the same age, but doesn’t seem fazed by the pressure of expectation.

He joined Newport this season and scored a try on his club debut against Pontypridd, but he will find himself in good company on the Wales Sevens wing – joined by another player tipped for greatness in Bristol‘s Wil Kershaw-Naylor.

The Shoguns youngster was discovered by Wales and Lions flyer John Bevan who taught him at his school in Monmouth.

The squad to face England, Canada and Arabian Gulf sides in the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens starting on 6 December also includes Gareth Williams, Mike Phillips (Llanelli), Rhys Jones, Llyr Lane (Newport), Paul Collett (Newbridge), Liam Roberts(Cardiff), Nick Wakley (Ebbw Vale), Paul Jones, Craig Richards (Bridgend) and Nicky Jones (Carmarthen Quins).

Wales Sevens coach Colin Hillman believes the new squad will provide some of the stars of the future for Welsh Rugby.

“There is no better training ground than international sevens for young players and we have one or two flyers in particular who are going to enjoy the experience,” he added.

“This is where players learn what international rugby is all about and there is no doubt that some of the stars of tomorrow will be plying their trade with us in Dubai.”

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