World Rugby Sevens Players of the Year 2019 nominees announced

World Rugby has revealed the shortlists for the Men’s and Women’s Sevens Players of the Year 2019 awards, which will be presented at the World Rugby Awards at The Prince Park Tower in Tokyo, Japan, on 3 November.

A first-time winner of each award is guaranteed, although some of the nominees are no strangers to being nominated for the prestigious accolade with New Zealand captain Sarah Hirini and Fiji playmaker Jerry Tuwai nominated for the fourth and third times respectively. New Zealand’s Ruby Tui is the only other player on the two shortlists with a previous nomination, back in 2017.

The nominees for the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year 2019 in association with HSBC are: Sarah Hirini (New Zealand), Tyla Nathan-Wong (New Zealand) and Ruby Tui (New Zealand).

The nominees for the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year 2019 in association with HSBC are: Folau Niua (USA), Stephen Tomasin (USA) and Jerry Tuwai (Fiji).

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

2018 – Michaela Blyde (New Zealand) 
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:

2018 – Perry Baker (USA) 
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)