As the popularity of rugby sevens continues to grow, fans around the world are constantly searching for the next generation of top players. In 2023, there are a number of talented athletes making waves in the sport, but these 10 stand out as the best of the best.
- Perry Baker (USA) Perry Baker is a winger for the United States national rugby sevens team, and is widely considered one of the best players in the world. Known for his blistering pace and ability to beat defenders one-on-one, Baker was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018. He has scored over 160 tries in his career, including 42 in the 2019-2020 World Rugby Sevens Series, the most of any player.
Physical Stats: Height – 6’1″, Weight – 198 lbs
- Jerry Tuwai (Fiji) Jerry Tuwai is a scrum-half for the Fiji national rugby sevens team, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the sport. Tuwai is a key playmaker for his team, with excellent passing, kicking, and running skills. He has been a crucial part of Fiji’s success in recent years, including their gold medal win at the 2016 Olympics.
Physical Stats: Height – 5’8″, Weight – 152 lbs
- Ben O’Donnell (Australia) Ben O’Donnell is a versatile player for the Australian national rugby sevens team, and is known for his speed, agility, and ball-handling skills. O’Donnell was a standout player in the 2019-2020 World Rugby Sevens Series, scoring 22 tries and helping lead Australia to a second-place finish overall.
Physical Stats: Height – 5’11”, Weight – 176 lbs
- Selvyn Davids (South Africa) Selvyn Davids is a fly-half for the South Africa national rugby sevens team, and is widely regarded as one of the best playmakers in the sport. Davids has excellent vision and passing skills, and is also a prolific scorer, with over 100 tries in his career.
Physical Stats: Height – 5’8″, Weight – 165 lbs
- Carlin Isles (USA) Carlin Isles is a winger for the United States national rugby sevens team, and is known for his incredible speed and athleticism. Isles is a former track and field athlete, and has been clocked at a top speed of over 23 miles per hour. He has scored over 200 tries in his career, and was named USA Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2015, 2018, and 2019.
Physical Stats: Height – 5’8″, Weight – 165 lbs
- Aminiasi Tuimaba (Fiji) Aminiasi Tuimaba is a winger for the Fiji national rugby sevens team, and is known for his speed, strength, and finishing ability. Tuimaba was a key player in Fiji’s gold medal win at the 2016 Olympics, and has scored over 70 tries in his career.
Physical Stats: Height – 6’0″, Weight – 198 lbs
- Andrew Knewstubb (New Zealand) Andrew Knewstubb is a versatile player for the New Zealand national rugby sevens team, and is known for his kicking, passing, and tackling skills. Knewstubb was a standout player in the 2019-2020 World Rugby Sevens Series, scoring 20 tries and helping lead New Zealand to a third-place finish overall.
Physical Stats: Height – 5’11”, Weight – 181 lbs
8. Werner Kok (South Africa) Werner Kok is a forward for the South Africa national rugby sevens team, and is known for his physicality, defense, and ball-carrying ability. Kok was a key player in South Africa’s gold medal win at the 2016 Olympics, and has scored over 70 tries in his career.
Physical Stats: Height – 5’9″, Weight – 176 lbs
- Dan Norton (England) Dan Norton is a winger for the England national rugby sevens team, and is known for his speed, agility, and finishing ability. Norton is the all-time leading try-scorer in the World Rugby Sevens Series, with over 350 tries in his career.
Physical Stats: Height – 6’2″, Weight – 190 lbs
- Justin Geduld (South Africa) Justin Geduld is a fly-half for the South Africa national rugby sevens team, and is known for his kicking, passing, and tackling skills. Geduld was a key player in South Africa’s gold medal win at the 2016 Olympics, and has scored over 100 tries in his career.
Physical Stats: Height – 6’0″, Weight – 183 lbs
What Makes These Rugby Sevens Players So Good?
The top rugby sevens players in the world possess a combination of physical skills, technical abilities, and tactical awareness. These players are all incredibly fast and agile, with the ability to beat defenders one-on-one and break through tackles. They also possess excellent ball-handling skills, including passing, kicking, and offloading, which allows them to create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
In addition to their individual skills, these players are also highly effective as part of a team. They have a deep understanding of the game, and are able to read the field and make strategic decisions on the fly. They work together to create space and exploit weaknesses in their opponents’ defenses, and are also highly effective in defense, with strong tackling and ball-stealing abilities.
Overall, these players represent the very best of what rugby sevens has to offer. They are exciting, dynamic, and incredibly skilled, and their performances on the field are a testament to the growing popularity and success of the sport around the world.
FAQ
Are there specific positions for players in rugby sevens?
Yes, rugby sevens has the same positions as standard rugby, with forwards and backs, although there is often more fluidity between positions due to the smaller team size.
What are the physical requirements for a rugby sevens player?
Rugby sevens players require a combination of speed, agility, strength, and endurance. They need to be able to run long distances and also have explosive bursts of speed. They should also have good upper body strength for tackling and ball-carrying.
How do rugby sevens players train?
Rugby sevens players typically engage in a combination of cardio and strength training, as well as skills training specific to rugby. They may also do drills to improve their speed, agility, and ball-handling abilities.
What are some key skills required for rugby sevens players?
Rugby sevens players require a range of skills, including ball-handling, tackling, passing, kicking, and offloading. They also need to have good vision and decision-making abilities to make split-second decisions on the field.
What are some key differences between rugby sevens and standard rugby in terms of player requirements?
Rugby sevens requires players to be more versatile due to the smaller team size, and players need to have a high level of endurance due to the fast-paced nature of the game. Standard rugby requires more physical strength and endurance, as well as more specialized positions.
Are there any restrictions on the physical characteristics of rugby sevens players?
No, there are no specific height or weight requirements for rugby sevens players, although players tend to be lean and muscular.
How do rugby sevens players get selected for national teams?
Rugby sevens players are typically scouted by national team selectors or coaches based on their performance in domestic or international tournaments. They may also be invited to tryouts or training camps.
How do rugby sevens players make a living?
Rugby sevens players may earn a living through professional contracts with clubs or national teams. They may also earn money through sponsorships and endorsements. However, rugby sevens is not as widely broadcasted or lucrative as some other sports, so many players may have other jobs or sources of income.
What are some of the most prestigious tournaments for rugby sevens players?
The World Rugby Sevens Series, the Rugby World Cup Sevens, and the Olympics are considered the most prestigious tournaments for rugby sevens players.
