Kunatani, who is joined by South African duo Werner Kok and Seabelo Senatla on the shortlist, has been impressive from both a defensive and attacking perspective, finishing the season as one of the leading tacklers and try scorers.

The man who made his debut at the 2013 Dubai Sevens has earned a contract with French club Toulouse, but Fiji coach Ben Ryan will have him available for four Series tournaments next season, as well as for Rio 2016, where rugby sevens will be making its debut on the Olympic programme.  

Fiji claimed their second Series title yesterday after beating South Africa 19-7 in the quarter-finals of the London Sevens Cup at Twickenham. 

Kok, who featured in that defeat for the “Blitzboks”, was a key figure for his country in all nine of the 2014-2015 tournaments, most notably during their home-soil Cup win in Port Elizabeth as they became the first side to confirm qualification for Rio 2016.

Despite only making his first appearance at the 2013 London Sevens, Kok ended the season just passed as the leading tackler of all the players.

Compatriot Senatla, the youngest of the three nominees, ended the season as the leading try scorer with 47.

The 22-year-old, whose blistering pace has been one of the talking points of the season, has his name against two of this year’s “fans’ favourites” and also scored in each of South Africa’s Cup final victories in Dubai and Port Elizabeth.

“This has been the most exciting and closely-fought Series to date as we build momentum towards rugby sevens’ Olympic Games debut at Rio 2016,” said World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset.

“Once again, through tremendous skill, excitement, full stadia and record TV audiences, we have seen why sevens is such a hit with fans around the world.

“At the heart of the success story are our players and this year’s nominees have proven once again that we have some exceptionally talented players on the Series with each of them fully deserving of a place on the shortlist.”

The management teams of the 15 core sides, who competed at all nine rounds of the World Series, voted for the trio of nominees.

The winner is due to be announced at the World Rugby Awards dinner at Battersea Evolution in London on November 1, following the Rugby World Cup final.

Kunatani will be looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Samisoni Viriviri, the recipient of last year’s award, while Kok and Senatla will be looking to emulate the success of teammate Cecil Afrika, winner of the award in 2011.

“With the added excitement of Olympic qualification this season, this has been an extremely competitive HSBC Sevens World Series,” added Giles Morgan, group head of sponsorship for HSBC Holdings, sponsors of the World Sevens Series. 

“Rugby sevens is a team sport but these three individuals have shone for their sides, bringing a combination of skill and entertainment to the Series and helping showcase the sport in the build-up to the Olympics next year.”


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