Which is the brightest Sevens star?
New Zealand stars Tomasi Cama and Frank Halai and South African-born Engand speedster Mat Turner have all been nominated for the IRB Sevens Player of the Year Award.
The trio were shortlisted from a vote by the management teams of the 12 core sides who compete at each and every round of the Series. The winner will be announced following the conclusion of the London Sevens, at Twickenham this weekend.
Fijian-born playmaker Cama is up for the award for the second year running, having lost out to South Africa’s Cecil Afrika last season. Cama’s sharp rugby brain and astute Sevens acumen has once again been a key factor behind New Zealand’s drive for a 10th World Series success. He is also currently the season’s top point-scorer with 330 and has 28 tries to his name.
Giant wing Halai has also touched down 28 times for the New Zealanders this season. His powerful presence out wide has often proved the difference for the Kiwis, no more so than at their home event in Wellington and also in Port Elizabeth, where they won back to back titles.
For England, Turner has produced performances of a consistently high level. Operating from the scrumhalf position and out wide, his pace off the mark and eye for a gap has often lifted his side and his was the telling contribution when Ben Ryan’s men retained the Cup title in Dubai, and reached the final in Glasgow.
“Between them, these three players perfectly sum up the skill, excitement, pace and power on show in our magnificent Olympic game of Rugby Sevens,” said IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset.
“All three have been outstanding players and sportsmen this season and to be shortlisted by the teams they have played against shows just how significant their individual contributions have been.”
