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Following the end of the inaugural National Sevens Series it is time to reflect on some of the individuals which have stood out.

Here is the highly anticipated ‘National Sevens Series VII’.

Let us know your thoughts. Who have we missed out? Who doesn’t deserve their spot? Who is over-hyped? We want to hear from you...

Based on players that have represented core sides for a minimum of three tournaments.

1.Mark Bright (Samurai International) 

The captain of the champions was a towering presence all season. Hardly a glitz and glamour player but makes life difficult at the breakdown and links well for Samurai. A DJ Forbes figure that you don’t want to let down.

2. Gavin Dacey (Samurai International)

Another highly reliable and honest forward who has been one of the regular Samurai pillars all Series. The Welsh international is mobile with some of his best work coming early on in the season.

3. Aaron Meyers (HFW Wailers) 

Fringe England player and not hard to see why. More of a modern-day sevens players then many of the other forwards on the Series. Happy to take contact, suck in men and unleash some of his flyers. Big appetite for work and wealth of sevens experience for a variety of teams shone through during the three tournaments he played in.

4. Gerhard Wessells (British Army) 

The Army’s glue. Inspirational leader both on and off the pitch culminating in a deserved Player of the Series award. Might not have the flair or speed of other scrum-halves but doesn’t need it with such talent outside and inside him. Performs the basics well and conducts his star players superbly.

5. Ricky Thomas (Olorun ID) 

Unsung hero that might not have always turned heads as he wasn’t playing with the ‘Big Guns’. Consistently good in all four tournaments. The livewire was a huge attacking threat from first receiver with oodles of agility and pace. Will tackle all day.

6. James Stephenson (Gilbert Pups) 

Another genuine find. Similarly to Ricky Thomas brings fizzing energy going forward. So easy on the eye with that wonderful balance which sees him ghost past defenders. Maintained standards throughout.

7. Gus Qasevakatini (British Army)

Finishing of the highest quality saw him roar in for 20 tries to top the charts. Flamboyant and ,as was mentioned last week, runs brilliant lines from depth off men like Satala and Kava.

Replacements:

Joe Kava (British Army): Who says size doesn’t matter in sevens. It might not always be pretty but the big man was mightily effective.

Scott Riddell  (HFW Wailers): Dogged player who possess some quality footwork. Adheres to Gordon Tietjens mantra of ‘emptying the tank’.

Tyson Lewis (HFW Wailers) – Rapid. Big appetite for tries and good buzz around the grounds whenever he got the ball. Not afraid of the TV cameras off the pitch.

Paul Jarvis (White Hart Marauders) – Class act. Always looked threatening and showed his intelligence and speed off the mark in a match-winning display against Samurai in the Newquay semis.

Maike Burenivalu (British Army) – So much experience and still a consummate performer. Bunny benefits from great players around him but has scored some brilliant individual tries that will live long in memory.

Honorable Mention:

Both Mark Odejobi (Gilbert Pups) and Apo Satala (British Army) missed out on selection due to the fact they played only two tournaments for their core teams.

Tough on Odejobi who was magnificent for ‘guest’ team Esher at RugbyRocks. He may line-up in the forwards but the damage is generated on the flanks. Deserves his call-up to England training. Satala galvanised his colleagues to wins in Manchester and Newquay. Fearsome player described on Saturday by an opponent as an ‘unstoppable freak’ when in the mood.

Story of the Series

Rugby Rocks - Samurai International
West Country Sevens - Samurai International
Manchester Sevens - British Army
Newquay Surf Sevens - British Army