Rugby Sevens has gained tremendous popularity worldwide for its fast-paced action and thrilling moments. The United States has produced some exceptional rugby sevens talent over the years, and in this article, we will celebrate the 10 best USA Rugby Sevens players of all time. We’ll delve into their career stats, physical attributes, memorable moments, and what sets them apart as special players in the world of rugby sevens.
1. Perry Baker
Career Stats:
- Tries: Over 200 career tries
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
- Weight: 176 lbs (80 kg)
- Speed: World-class sprinter
Best Moments:
- Baker’s incredible pace and agility have resulted in numerous breathtaking tries and try-saving tackles.
- His highlight-reel plays have made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the USA Rugby Sevens team’s success.
What Makes Him Special:
- Baker’s electrifying speed and ability to break through defensive lines with ease make him one of the most dynamic players in rugby sevens history. His natural athleticism and finishing ability set him apart.
2. Danny Barrett
Career Stats:
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- Tackles: Over 500 career tackles
- Impact Player Award at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’3″ (191 cm)
- Weight: 225 lbs (102 kg)
- Speed: Powerful runner
Best Moments:
- Barrett’s physicality and work rate in the forward pack have been crucial in gaining possession and securing turnovers.
- His relentless tackling and ball-carrying ability have made him a standout player in sevens rugby.
What Makes Him Special:
- Barrett’s size, strength, and versatility as a forward have been instrumental in the USA’s success. His ability to win turnovers and create try-scoring opportunities for his team sets him apart.
3. Folau Niua
Career Stats:
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- Points: Over 200 career points
- Assists: Creative playmaker
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 198 lbs (90 kg)
- Speed: Agile and quick decision-maker
Best Moments:
- Niua’s playmaking ability and vision on the field have led to countless assists and try-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
- His composure under pressure and precise passing make him a key asset in the USA Rugby Sevens squad.
What Makes Him Special:
- Niua’s ability to read the game, create space for his teammates, and execute high-pressure plays sets him apart as a special playmaker in rugby sevens. His rugby intelligence is unmatched.
4. Madison Hughes
Career Stats:
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- Points: Over 900 career points
- World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year nominee
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
- Speed: Agile and nimble runner
Best Moments:
- Hughes’ goal-kicking accuracy and ability to convert crucial kicks have been pivotal in close matches.
- His leadership as captain and dynamic attacking skills have made him a standout player for the USA.
What Makes Him Special:
- Hughes’ consistency as a goal kicker and his leadership qualities on and off the field set him apart. His ability to control the game and make vital decisions make him a special player in rugby sevens.
5. Zack Test
Career Stats:
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- Tries: Over 150 career tries
- USA Rugby Sevens Player of the Year
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’3″ (191 cm)
- Weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
- Speed: Powerful and fast runner
Best Moments:
- Test’s try-scoring ability and physicality in contact situations have made him a prolific try-scorer.
- His consistency in breaking through tackles and winning aerial battles have been crucial for the USA Rugby Sevens team.
What Makes Him Special:
- Test’s combination of size, speed, and finishing ability make him a special player in rugby sevens. His ability to break defensive lines and create try-scoring opportunities is exceptional.
6. Carlin Isles
Career Stats:
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- Tries: Over 200 career tries
- World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year nominee
Physical Stats:
- Height: 5’8″ (173 cm)
- Weight: 160 lbs (73 kg)
- Speed: World-record sprinter
Best Moments:
- Isles’ remarkable speed and acceleration have resulted in countless breathtaking tries and highlight-reel moments.
- His ability to outpace defenders and change the game in an instant make him a fan favorite.
What Makes Him Special:
- Isles’ world-class sprinting ability and elusive running style make him one of the most exciting players to watch in rugby sevens. His speed is unparalleled in the sport.
7. Martin Iosefo
Career Stats:
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- Tries: Over 50 career tries
- Impact Player Award at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
- Speed: Powerful ball-carrier
Best Moments:
- Iosefo’s physicality and ability to break tackles have made him a key player in gaining territory and crossing the try line.
- His work rate in both attack and defense has been crucial for the USA Rugby Sevens team.
What Makes Him Special:
- Iosefo’s size, strength, and work rate in the forward pack make him a standout player in rugby sevens. His ability to win collisions and create scoring opportunities sets him apart.
8. Maka Unufe
Career Stats:
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- Tries: Over 100 career tries
- Dynamic ball-carrier
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
- Weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
- Speed: Explosive runner
Best Moments:
- Unufe’s ability to burst through defensive lines and evade tacklers has led to numerous memorable tries.
- His agility and quick decision-making have made him a key player in the USA Rugby Sevens squad.
What Makes Him Special:
- Unufe’s explosive running style and ability to create scoring opportunities with his agility set him apart as a special player in rugby sevens. His versatility in the backline is an asset to the team.
9. Brett Thompson
Career Stats:
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- Tries: Over 100 career tries
- World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year nominee
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Speed: Powerful and fast runner
Best Moments:
- Thompson’s strength in contact situations and ability to break tackles have resulted in numerous try-scoring moments.
- His consistency in making crucial contributions on both sides of the ball has been pivotal.
What Makes Him Special:
- Thompson’s combination of size, speed, and physicality make him a special player in rugby sevens. His ability to gain meters and create scoring opportunities is remarkable.
10. Nate Ebner
Career Stats:
- Caps for the USA: Multiple
- Tackles: Over 200 career tackles
- Olympic rugby sevens medalist
Physical Stats:
- Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
- Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Speed: Aggressive defender
Best Moments:
- Ebner’s defensive prowess and physicality have made him a key figure in stopping opposition attacks.
- His experience as an Olympic medalist and rugby sevens specialist set him apart as a valuable player.
What Makes Him Special:
- Ebner’s transition from American football to rugby sevens showcases his adaptability and commitment to the sport. His tackling ability and work rate in the forward pack make him a special player in rugby sevens.
Conclusion
These 10 legendary players have not only left an indelible mark on USA Rugby Sevens but have also made significant contributions to the global rugby sevens stage. Their remarkable career stats, physical attributes, memorable moments, and unique qualities have earned them a place among the greatest players in the sport.
As rugby sevens continues to grow in popularity, these players will be remembered as trailblazers who helped raise the profile of the sport in the United States and inspire future generations of rugby sevens stars. Their commitment to excellence and passion for the game serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of rugby sevens on the world stage.