Three Fijian born players have been selected in the World Sevens Series 'Dream Team' for the truncated 2019/20 season.
Fiji internationals Napolioni Bolaca and Aminiasi Tuimaba were joined in star-studden men's line-up by Fiji born Tavite Veredamu, who impressive season with France.
Fiji's Aminiasi Tuimaba in space during the 2020 Los Angeles Sevens. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Bolaca was the top point-scorer on the global circuit last season while Tuimaba earned a second successive selection after finishing third in the series try-scoring tally, behind Ireland's Jordan Conroy and American speedster Carlin Isles.
Bolaca was also awarded the 'Pressure Play' award for his Cup final try against South Africa at the Sydney Sevens, while the Fijiana women's side took out the 'Momentum Tracker' award, a stats-based gong which analyses teams' capacity to improve throughout the season.
Fiji's Napolioni Bolaca runs away to score in the 2020 Sydney Sevens Cup Final against South Africa. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont congratulated the award winners for continuing to excel on the field despite a number of distractions off it.
"Although the series this year was forced to conclude early there was no shortage of speed, skill and spectacular tries on display from players and teams, combined with unpredictable and awe-inspiring moments that embody the values of the game," he said.
"And remind us that rugby sevens is a truly unique and thrilling sport that will once again showcase itself to the worldwide audience at the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year."
Fiji-born Tavite Veredamu also made the 'Dream Team' after starring for France. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
New Zealand claimed both the men's and women's World Series titles after the season was cut short because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Fiji men finished a distant third in their title defence while the Fijiana women improved three places to seventh.
Finishing third in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020 is @fijirugby #HSBC7sAwards #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/BLR990zJ54
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) September 21, 2020
A date for the start of 2021 season is still to be confirmed, with the opening rounds in Dubai, Cape Town, Sydney and Hamilton already cancelled.
