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We’ve named our Men’s Super 7 for the year, which is effectively our shortlist for Player of the Year contenders. There were a few other players that caught our eye and deserved some recognition, however, and a couple that look like future contenders.
Chile had their best ever season with captain Felipe Brangier outstanding, while Marcelo Torrealba and Julio Blanc were also in top form. Matías Osadczuk was a World Rugby nominee for Rookie of the Year and was Argentina’s standout. Franco Sábato is another from the Pumas worthy of recognition whose spot in the Dream Team is currently blocked by a certain Eagles flyer.
Canada had several standouts, not least record-setting scorer Nathan Hirayama and Mike Fuailefau up front. It was also great to see Lucas Hammond back after a spell away. One to watch this seasone. Worth keeping an eye on is Ben Pinkelman, who forced his way into the USA team at the end of last season and should play a key role for the side in 2018.
HONORABLE MENTION
Realistically our voting came down to three players. To be perfectly honest it didn’t require a vote.
Deserving an honorable mention spot, however, is Justin Douglas. Canada’s form player of the year who played a major role in the historic Singapore victory and was duly named to the tournament Dream Team. Again earned select honors at Cape Town last month. Outstanding on both sides of the field and looks a very good bet to challenge for overall series Dream Team selection this year.
Making the 2016-17 HSBC Dream Team was Danny Barrett. He has become a household name in the shortened code and is set to see his star rise on home soil at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco later this year. Barrett earned three individual tournament Dream Team selections and was an absolute terror with ball in hand.
THE WINNER
No contest here. Perry Baker‘s list of accolades in 2017 speaks for itself. Leader in both tries and points scored. The only player in the top five in points who wasn’t a kicker for his team. Four tournament Dream Team selections. Overall 2016-17 HSBC Dream Team selection. 2017 World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the year. Add one more, the most prestigious award of all. Perry Baker is our 2017 ARN Men’s Sevens Player of the Year.
