Australian Rugby Union today announced that it had signed former Brisbane Broncos winger Denan Kemp to an Australian Sevens contract.
The exciting winger has agreed to train with the Australian Sevens squad at the upcoming camp at Coogee Oval next week (Monday 18 and Tuesday 19) and will be one of 20 in contention to travel with the side to London and Edinburgh in late May for the final two legs of the 2010/11 iRB Sevens World Series.
The 23 year old who debuted for the Broncos in 2007 said he was attracted to Sevens because of its fast paced nature and the Olympic opportunities that the game provides.
“I’m excited by the opportunity and accepting the ARU Sevens contract was a pretty easy decision to make,” Kemp said.
“I’ve watched Sevens for years and I love it, the chance to see the world is pretty appealing too.
“But above all else, down the track, if you’re playing Sevens you’ve got a shot of going to the Olympics.”
Asked if he harboured ambitions of playing for a Super Rugby team, Kemp said: “If that opened up it would be great.
“At the end of the rainbow for Super Rugby players is the potential to represent your country, to play for the Wallabies.
“So either way, there’s a lot to look forward to - as well as a lot of hard work.
“But I’m up for the challenge and look forward to joining the Sevens squad in camp next week.”
Australian Sevens Coach, Michael O’Connor, welcomed Kemp to the squad and said the NRL convert would have plenty to offer to the game and the Aussie side.
“Denan has a great turn of speed, which will be well suited to the fast, free flowing game of Sevens,” O’Connor said.
“It is very exciting to think that players from other codes are looking at Sevens and liking what they see.
“When you consider there is the opportunity to represent your country not just on the iRB Sevens World Series circuit but also at a Commonwealth and ultimately Olympic level, it’s no surprise that Denan made the decision to join the Sevens ranks.
“His decision is very pleasing and shows that he is serious about making it on the big stage and I am looking forward to being able to offer him an opportunity to further his Rugby career.”
