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As the IRB World Series culminated yesterday at Murrayfield it was the Fijian and South African sides that were celebrating as England licked their wounds from winning the Bowl. How quickly things can change in a week on the IRB circuit. One Englishman had reason to celebrate; England captain Ollie Phillips was named IRB World Player of the Year from the shortlist that was announced on Friday.

The announcement of the year's first award-winner follows the introduction of an exciting new format for the IRB Awards. Starting this year, the winner of each of the 13 coveted categories of awards will be named at different stages throughout the year, culminating in the announcement of the prestigious IRB Player, Coach and Team of the Year in the 15s format of the game in November.

It has been a great year for Phillips as he captained England in 7 of the 8 World Series stops only missing George, South Africa through injury and was inspirational in their two Cup successes, a first ever in Wellington, New Zealand and a first for five years at their home Emirates Airline London Sevens at Twickenham last weekend.

"It's been a fantastic year personally and collectively for our team and to captain any England side is a huge honour," said Phillips after receiving the award from Scottish legend Gavin Hastings at a function in Murrayfield Stadium.

"I was surprised to be on the shortlist of nomineees for the award, so to win it is really very special.

"To do the things that we've done this season, where we've fallen short at some points and then we've had massive highs - Wellington, Twickenham last week - was huge for us and this award is a special thing for me obviously, to be named as the best Sevens player in the world, but there's a lot of players who've graced that turf who are pretty special too, some get recognised, some don't and fortunately for me people have picked me out.

"I'll be able to tell my grandkids when I'm looking slightly older than I do already that that was me and I was involved in that."

Since Ben Ryan took over as England coach, Phillips has become alongside Ben Gollings the man that everything goes through and a young England side have had a great captain to follow this year as they finished 3rd in the World Series. Phillips' return to an England shirt for next season is in doubt though as he has signed with Stade Francais in Paris to play his 15s rugby next season. Phillips will be greatly missed if his new side decide to not make him avaliable for international 7s selection and he may well not be the only one who will not be returning to the England side next season as Barrett, Drauniui, Rodwell, Varndell, Starling & Norton have all signed with new clubs in recent weeks. Ryan will have some nervous times this summer as he discusses with the new clubs whether his side will return to improve on this years fantastic results or whether he will be heading back into a re-building phase akin to the 07/08 season.

For now Phillips can celebrate, he is officially the best 7s player in the world and joins an illustrious list of former winners including former England 7s captain and advisor to UR7s Simon Amor. The player and captain that Phillips is, we are sure he will want to return to the circuit next season and take England to the summit of the world alongside his own personal accolade.