Ex-NRL flyer returns to Australia Sevens with LA Olympics in sight

Two-time Olympian Nathan Lawson will soon be back with the Australia Men’s Sevens program after a stint with NRL outfit the St George Illawarra Dragons, committing to Rugby Australia ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Rugby Australia announced this week that Lawson has penned a deal with the national sevens program, but the dual-code athlete will first return to the sport via the all-new Ultimate Sevens in Europe later this year.

Lawson will link up with the Australia Sevens side during pre-season training in November, as the team builds towards the 2027 HSBC SVNS Series. The 27-year-old enjoyed a decorated career with the sevens side before taking up an opportunity in rugby league.

Before inking a deal with the Dragons, Lawson had touched down for just shy of 70 tries across 26 SVNS Series events. Lawson was recognised as the 2024 Shawn Mackay Award winner (Player of the Year) at the Rugby Australia Awards and was named in the World Rugby Dream Team.

Lawson made four appearances for the Red V, touching down for two tries, making one line break and running for more than 500 metres, and tackling with more than 83 per cent tackle efficiency.

“We are delighted to see Nathan return to the Rugby Sevens program ahead of an Olympic-qualifying year ahead for the side,” Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, said.

“Nathan is a proven performer on the international stage and his experience will be vital for our squad as we move closer to the LA Games in 2028.”

Lawson is the latest in a series of crucial re-signings announced by Rugby Australia, including a star-studded quartet recently retained by the program. That group was headlined by an Olympian who was one called in the Wallabies squad before a clash with the All Blacks.

James Turner, who was the Shawn Mackay Award recipient at the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards, had only played three matches for the NSW Waratahs but was brought into the Test squad before a Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park.

Turner wasn’t named in the matchday 23 but continued to star in rugby union’s shorter format during the 2026 SVNS Series and SVNS World Championship. The Olympian has re-signed through to the LA Olympics, along with teammate Ben Dowling.

James McGregor and Harry Wilson have inked one-year contract extensions as well.

“The Australian Men’s squad was outstanding last season with plenty of talent emerging for coach Liam Barry,” Horne explained.

“Ben Dowling and James Turner have grown into leaders within the team as they both look towards a second Olympics campaign each.

“James McGregor is developing nicely and will have more opportunities in the future while Harry Wilson is a big body who had a fine debut season.

“It’s important we keep a core group of players for next year while unearthing the next generation as we build towards the Olympic-qualifying season.”