Tuwai named World Rugby Men’s 7s Player of the Year 2019

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TOKYO, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 03: Jerry Tuwai of Fiji, winner of the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC is presented with his award by Brian O’Driscoll during the World Rugby Awards 2019 at the Prince Park Tower Hotel on November 03, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Dave Rogers – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

FIJI Airways Fiji 7s playmaker Jerry Tuwai was named World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday.

Tuwai who was nominated for the third year running is the second Fijian to win the award.

According to World Rugby the 30-year-old once again carving open defences at will with his vision and step, making the most of his diminutive frame to dart through gaps to create opportunities for himself or those around him.

He may no longer have the captain’s armband but he is still the heartbeat of the Fijian side, helping them win titles in Cape Town, Hamilton, Hong Kong, London and Paris and a third series title for himself.

Tuwai also featured in the HSBC Dream Team for the third year in a row.

The other nominees for the award were Folau Niua (USA) and Stephen Tomasin (USA).

Samisoni Viriviri was the first Fijian to win the award.

TOKYO, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 03: Jerry Tuwai of Fiji poses after being named Rugby Sevens Player of the Year during the World Rugby Awards on November 03, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Matt Roberts – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)