World Rugby Sevens Players of the Year 2018 nominees announced

World Rugby has revealed the shortlists for the Men’s and Women’s Sevens Players of the Year 2018 awards in association with HSBC, which will be presented at the World Rugby Awards at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo on 25 November.

The shortlists feature players from four nations, including three previous recipients of the prestigious award, with five of them having featured in the dream teams for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2018 or Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018.

The nominees for the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year 2018 in association with HSBC are: Michaela Blyde (New Zealand), Sarah Goss (New Zealand) and Portia Woodman (New Zealand).

The nominees for the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year 2018 in association with HSBC are: Perry Baker (USA), Ben O’Donnell (Australia) and Jerry Tuwai (Fiji).

Both shortlists were selected by players, match officials and commentators on the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018.

These awards are two of 13 categories of awards, including the World Rugby Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year, World Rugby Team of the Year, World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year and Award for Character. 

Previous World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year award winners:

2017 – Michaela Blyde (New Zealand)
2016 – Charlotte Caslick (Australia)
2015 – Portia Woodman (New Zealand)
2014 – Emilee Cherry (Australia)
2013 – Kayla McAlister (New Zealand)

Previous World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award winners:

2017 – Perry Baker (USA) 
2016 – Seabelo Senatla (South Africa)
2015 – Werner Kok (South Africa)
2014 – Samisoni Viriviri (Fiji)
2013 – Tim Mikkelson (New Zealand)
2012 – Tomasi Cama (New Zealand)
2011 – Cecil Afrika (South Africa)
2010 – Mikaele Pesamino (Samoa)
2009 – Ollie Phillips (England)
2008 – DJ Forbes (New Zealand)
2007 – Afeleke Pelenise (New Zealand)
2006 – Uale Mai (Samoa)
2005 – Orene Ai’i (New Zealand)
2004 – Simon Amor (England)

Story via: World Rugby

Image Credit: HSBCSport/twitter