The players have voted, and we're pleased to announce the five finalists to win the Australian Men's Rugby Sevens team's most prestigious honour, the 2019 Players' Player of the Year.
All players who featured in official World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments were asked to vote on a 3-2-1 basis, with twelve players highlighted due to the number of tournaments they appeared in. The award’s previous winners are Cameron Clark (2014 & 2015), Con Foley (2013), Lewis Holland (2016), Ben O’Donnell (2018) and Jesse Parahi (2012).
The 2019 finalists are:
Jeral Skelton:
Jeral Skelton’s second season on the World Rugby Sevens circuit was a breakout campaign, as he was selected for seven tournaments including his first home tournament in Sydney. Scoring 16 tries over the campaign, the powerful 20-year-old scored four apiece in Sydney and Vancouver and cemented his place as a regular starting player as the year progressed.
Nick Malouf:
Returning to the Sevens program after two years in the English premiership, Malouf quickly slotted back into the team as his experience, defensive prowess and tactical nous came to the fore across the first seven tournaments, with his season ending prematurely with injury. ‘Moose’ scored nine tries and started 34 of the 35 matches he played.
John Porch:
Fleet-footed finisher John Porch again featured on plenty of highlight reels this season, scoring seventeen tries in just six tournaments amongst a total individual point tally of 175 points – his highest ever in a World Rugby Sevens season. Named in the Tournament Dream Team in Dubai, Porch also played a critical role in Rugby Australia’s Dream Big Time tour.
Lewis Holland:
Australian Captain Lewis Holland was ever-present in 2018-19, playing all ten tournaments and leading from the front in a team-high 46 matches. The most experienced player in the Australian squad, Holland constantly troubled the opposition, amassing fifteen tries and 35 conversions as he took over some of the kicking responsibilities. The leader of the pack.
Maurice Longbottom:
Like Skelton, the 2018-19 season was Maurice’s second on the World Rugby Sevens circuit, and he looked completely at home in the eight tournaments he played. An agile stepper who features on plenty of highlight reels, Longbottom scored 165 points (33 tries) and was named in the Tournament Dream Team in both Dubai and London.
The 2019 Australian Men’s Rugby Sevens Players’ Player will be announced at the 2019 BDO Rugby Players Lunch in Sydney, on Wednesday December 11, with the Award presented by Gage Roads Brewing Co.
