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Ultimate Rugby Sevens has announced shortlists for four National Sevens Series awards.

They will be revealed at the presentation ceremony which marks the conclusion of the Newquay Surf Sevens on Saturday (17 July). 

The accolades include Player of the Series, Young Player of the Series, Surprise Team and Series Ambassadors. They have been selected from the nine core sides that have participated at RugbyRocks, West Country, Manchester and that are heading to Newquay.

Player of the Series

The shortlist comprises six players from the top three placed teams on the overall standings, voted by a National Series Committee and Team Managers from the core sides.

HFW Wailers captain Scott Riddell has led by example with the Scotland International always working tirelessly. Teammate Aaron Meyers has also impressed with some trademark bulldozing runs getting the North East-based side going forward.

Army skipper Gerhard Wessels has been a crucial cog for Series challengers acting as a playmaker and organiser in the crucial pivot position. The former South Africa U21 International has now qualified for British citizenship making him a contender for a spot amongst the England Sevens set-up.

The experienced Bunny Burenivalu has been another consistent performer for the servicemen. A creative spark in midfield and a valuable try-scorer who has crossed twelve times this season.

Leaders Samurai International are on the brink of a win on the inaugural Series and have also had two players nominated. Geoff Griffiths has been a permanent member of the side with the winger chipping in with a valuable eight tries.  Flyer Simon Hunt was in dominant form in the first half of the Series with a 12 try haul but will be missing in Newquay with continuing injury problems.

Young Player of the Series

Based on players who are 21-years-old or under. This award recognises youngsters with a bright future in the game who have performed to a high level.

17-year-olds Charlie Walker (White Hart Marauders) and Joel Hodgson (HFW Wailers) have shown flashes of their abilities throughout the Series. Both players will be missing from the final leg as they are currently representing England Under-18 in South Africa.

Manchester MVP James Stephenson (Gilbert Pups) has excited the crowds and viewers on TV with his balanced running and fine individual efforts. Miles Mantella (White Hart Marauders) is another player with a big future scoring 11 times in just two tournaments so far and has been drafted into the England Sevens training squad for the Commonwealth Games.
 

Surprise Team of the Series

The Gilbert Pups have made two quarter-finals (RugbyRocks & West Country) but impressed with their run in Manchester where they made the semi-finals. A side with the ability to break into the top echelons of the Series in future years.

The Akuma Smurfs are still a relatively new side to the sevens circuit but the Welshmen have made it through to the Cup knockouts at each venue.

Apache have been dogged by injury and player unavailability but have competed fervently. The narrowest of losses to Samurai (RugbyRocks) and the Army (West Country) illustrate their potential.

Series Ambassadors

These awards will be given out to players and backroom staff from the core sides that have made significant contributions both on and off the field.

*Only a maximum of two players per team may be nominated for the individual categories. 

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