2017 ARN Men’s Super 7

The 2016-17 HSBC Sevens Series was a good one for the Americas. Three teams finished in the Top 10, with the USA leading the way in 5th place. A resurgent Canadian side finished in 8th while Argentina was just behind in 9th. The new season got off to a rocky start in Dubai but a much better showing in Cape Town to end the year has us feeling optimistic for 2018.

Traditionally choosing a select Americas 7s side has involved only those three teams, but the emergence of a fourth competitive side gave pause for thought this year. Chile’s commendable efforts in Las Vegas, Vancouver, and Hong Kong culminated in an historic win over New Zealand at Silicon Valley in November.

While ultimately none of the Chileans made the final cut, two players – captain Felipe Brangier and playmaker Marcelo Torrealba – were strongly considered and made the final round of deliberations. With the Sudamerica series set to include full-strength sides and the Rugby World Cup Sevens ahead this year, there is room for others to make a case for next year.

2017 ARN MEN’S SUPER 7

1) Mike Fuailefau (Canada) Beating out stern challenges from Brangier and the USA’s Ben Pinkelman, Fuailefau gets the nod after a very good 2017 that saw him named to the tournament Dream Team in London and most recently Cape Town. He has found a new level of consistency under Damian McGrath. A strong runner and dedicated support player.

2) Matías Osadczuk (Argentina) Our aerial specialist in the forwards. Dream Team selection in Vancouver and World Rugby nominee for Rookie of the Year. Fit, fast, and tricky to tackle. Cruelly struck down by a serious knee injury in April. We look forward to his return in the coming months.

3) Danny Barrett (USA) An automatic selection after earning a spot on the 2016-17 season Dream Team. Also won tournament honors in Sydney, Las Vegas, and Singapore. One of the most physically imposing players on the circuit.

4) Madison Hughes (USA) We still feel like he has another gear in him but that says how highly we rate his ability. The stabilizer to Folau Niua’s madness, Hughes has all the tools required for greatness and his leadership qualities continue to grow. Beats out Torrealba and Pumas captain Gastón Revol.

5) Nathan Hirayama (Canada) Dream Team selection in Canada’s historic Singapore victory and damn close in a handful of others. Remains a world class attacking presence and became the first Canadian player to reach 1,000 points on the circuit.

6) Justin Douglas (Canada) Another who got the nod in Singapore and also recently earned a Dream Team selection in Cape Town. Graduated from prospect to the real deal in 2017, and played much of the season infield with big man Adam Zaruba loitering on the wing. Douglas is now one of Canada’s best players and should be challenging for the overall series Dream Team come the end of the new season.

7) Perry Baker (USA) The easiest pick of all. Dream Team honors in Vancouver, Hong Kong, Singapore, and London. Named to the overall 2016-17 HSBC Dream Team. Winner of the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year award. Say no more.