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With only a few days to go before the end of the 2008/2009 IRB World Series, the IRB have announced the nominations for the World Player of the Year. The nominations recognise a year of ups, downs, surprises and shocks with nominees coming from 4 sides including England, South Africa, Kenya and Fiji.

Traditionally 7s fans would have to wait until the end of the calendar year for the awards to be announced along with awards from the 15 a-side version of the game. This year in a break of tradition the IRB have announced that they will be announcing the winner of the 7s prize at the conclusion of the series in Murrayfield this weekend.

There is no room in the list for any of the New Zealand team who have had a largely frustrating season. The past 2 seasons have seen inspriational Kiwi Captain DJ Forbes win with his compatriot Afeleke Pelenise take the prize in 2007. Other former winners include Uale Mai (Samoa), Orene Ai'i (New Zealand) and Simon Amor (England).

The Sevens Team of the Year Award which will also be announced has been monopolised by New Zealand and Fiji since its inception will also surely see a new name on the trophy as England, South Africa, Kenya and USA have had break out years.

The 2009 Nominees for IRB World Player of the Year:

Renfred Dazel, South Africa
With a quick thinking rugby brain and lightening fast acceleration, Dazel has been a key man behind South Africa's consistently strong performances this year, helping them win three Series Cup titles so far in Dubai, George and Adelaide. A full time Sevens-contracted player like the rest of Paul Treu's squad, South Africa's reigning Sevens player of the year has played in all seven tournaments so far on the World Series, scoring 18 tries and 169 points.

Collins Injera, Kenya
With 35 tries so far this season Injera is the season's leading scorer, having crossed the whitewash eight times more than anyone else. A constant danger with his pace and power, he is a key reason behind Kenya's rise up the world Sevens rankings to their current position of sixth.

Humphrey Kayange, Kenya
Injera's brother and captain, Kayange has proved an inspirational leader for the Kenyans both on and off the pitch. His haul of 16 tries from seven events represents the second highest by a forward and his ball-winning and defensive qualities lie at the heart of Kenya's vast improvement under coach Benjamin Ayimba. Has led the Africans to four Cup quarter finals, two semi finals and one final on the Series, as well as the semi finals of the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Mpho Mbiyozo, South Africa
In the absence of Mzwandile Stick, Mbiyozo captained the Springbok Sevens team to victory in Adelaide in April but has been another constant in South Africa's push for a first ever IRB Sevens World Series crown. Another player to have played in all seven events so far this season, he has notched 13 tries to compliment his ball-winning skills as a forward.

Ollie Phillips, England
England's captain this season, Phillips inspired Ben Ryan's side to a first ever Cup success in Wellington in February and a first win in five years at their home London Sevens event at Twickenham last weekend. Another ever-present, he is his country's leading try-scorer this year with 20 and has been central to the team's vast improvement on last season.

Emosi Vucago, Fiji
At the heart of Fiji's rebuilding work under coach Iliesa Tanivula, Vucago wears the number '6' shirt vacated by the great Waisale Serevi and Fiji are always a better team with him than without him. His five tournaments played this year have yielded 10 tries and 82 points, including a starring role in their one Cup success this year in Hong Kong.

UR7s will publish a bio of the winner after the announcement on Monday.