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The Big Interview with Jimmy 'Chuck' Norris

The Big Interview with Jimmy 'Chuck' Norris

NEW signing Jimmy ‘Chuck’ Norris wants to take Luctonians to the top of the class in National League 2 North.

The ex-Newport Gwent Dragons player said he initially thought about linking up with Pontypool.

However, the Welsh back, who was 23 on Monday, is delighted with his decision to join Luctonians.

And Norris believes the Mortimer Park men can challenge for honours in the coming season.

“I am looking forward to the new experience and I am hoping I will bring a lot to the Luctonians team,” said Norris, who is looking for a place to live in Hereford.

“We’ve had 22 first-team players at training so I am very excited about it.

“The league is very competitive and Luctonians are a club with aspirations to move up the ladder.

I would like to help Luctonians to win the title or finish in the top three.”

Norris, who has played Rugby Sevens for Wales, has completed three training sessions with new Luctonians head coach Andy Williams.

“I was coming to Luctonians even before Andy was,” said Norris, who has just secured a 2:1 degree in sports coaching and development.

“I am taking a PGCE teacher training course and I will be at Bishop’s School from September to December and mentored by Steve Bradley.

“I could probably have gone to play for Pontypool but it would also have meant a bit of travelling so I decided to have a change from Welsh rugby and Luctonians have a good reputation.”

The Newport-born player represented Wales at under-16, under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels.

He counts current Welsh stars Leigh Halfpenny and Jonathan Davies among his friends.

Norris, who lives in Malpas, played Sevens rugby for Wales in the 2008/2009 season and was involved in six tournaments.

However, he wasn’t picked for three events - including Wales’ Sevens World Cup triumph.

“Playing for Wales Sevens has been one of my main highlights,” said Norris. “Sadly, I didn’t play in the World Cup win but the highlight was playing in the Hong Kong Sevens.

“We lost in the semifinals of the plate to Canada. I also came on in the second half against England and scored a 70- yard try.”

Norris, who played his club rugby at Bedwas, joined Newport Gwent Dragons in May 2007.

“When I was aged between 16 and 20, I was set on being a professional rugby player and I thought that I was definitely going to make it.

“But I think the coach, Paul Turner, made a bad decision on me and I was released.

“I had the opportunity to go to Australia and I had a great time. I played for the University of Queensland for four months.”

He joined Cardiff in the Welsh Premier Division in August 2009.

“I have been playing full-back or wing but I am happy playing anywhere in the back-three,” he said.

Norris also had a brief stint with Calgary Hornets in Canada and scored 11 tries, leading the domestic competition.

He was a major factor behind the Hornets’ National Championship success in 2010.

“Since I was released by the Dragons, my education has taken a forward step,” said Norris.

“When I knew I would be coming to Herefordshire for my PGCE year, I wanted to find the best and nearest club and to get new experiences.

“I have been very impressed with the facilities and the quality of the ground a Luctonians.

“Being a cricket pitch during the summer, helps the surface. There’s plenty of potential at Luctonians and the players are keen to learn and train hard.”

Norris celebrated his 23rd birthday with girlfriend Nicole at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant in Cardiff on Monday night.

“I just need to find a place to live and I am sure Nicole will enjoy coming up for a few matches.”

 
Published on 30/07/2011
The Big Interview with Jimmy 'Chuck' Norris