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Robin Heymann

With the conclusion of the IRB World Sevens Series, we at UR7s thought we would give out a few of own unique end of season awards. And the winners are...

Magic moment?

So many but here are my top three:

Third: Wellington Day 1

Perhaps the first real indicator of the openeness of the season, was a momentous day at the ‘Cake Tin’ at the New Zealand International Sevens. First Fiji lost to the USA, and then the home fans were stunned when Wales downed 6 man New Zealand 28-17. No team went on unscathed with Argentina the only team remaining unbeaten – but even they drew with Canada!

Second: South Africa win George

Paul Treu’s side beat their 10 year winless streak at their home tournament, taking the Cup title for the first time in coming from behind to beat defending champions New Zealand 12-7. The thrilling final marked a crucial moment confirming the tide was turning South Africa’s way and they were the real deal.

First: Wales win World Cup

You could have got 80-1 odds at the beginning of the World Cup of Wales taking home the Melrose Cup. Yet in a scintillating three days in Dubai it was the Welsh who seemingly peaked in the crucial knockout stages seeing off New Zealand, Samoa, and Argentina in one of the biggest shocks ever seen in sevens.

Best Match?

Hard to choose between the Wellington and London Finals that both saw England taking on New Zealand. In both finals the Kiwis took a 3 try lead but England battled back on both occasions to take stunning last gasp wins. Sensational games of rugby.

Coach of the Year?

So often in the shadows of the great Gordon Tietjens, another true servant of the sevens game Paul Treu’s hard work eventually paid off. Enjoying the luxury of full central contracts and superb training facilities back home in Stellenbosch, the Boks were well set. Yet it was Treu’s infectious passion on the side, attention to detail, and humbleness which ultimately makes him a great coach. Special mentions to the Kenyan coaching trio Benjamin Ayimba, Oscar Osir Osula, and Felix Ochieng have worked wonders with their squad.

Joue/Flair Award

With an increased emphasis on physicality, continuity, and clinical execution the IRB 7s style has changed in recent years. No longer are we seeing players like Amasio Valence or William Ryder ruling the roost with inspired individual cheek. Yet Fiji’s Pio Tuwai is one player very much from the 'old skool' of Fijian flair. Quite happy to take his time in his build up play, Tuwai ability to pirouette round defenders and an ability to bamboozle opponents with a sudden impish flick without looking and that huge grin as he’s over the line just to really rub it in.

Set to impress in 09/10?

Kurt Baker (NZ), Tim Nanai-Williams (NZ), Dom Shipperley (Aus), Kyle Brown (South Africa), Dan Norton (Eng) all showed glimpses of class this year and are set to make a big impact next year.

Unsung Heroes?

Chris Cracknell (Eng) worked tirelessly all season despite playing in nearly every game. Roddy Grant (Scot) even when his side was beaten would be busting a gut in defence or in attack often getting over the whitewash. At times Alisi Tupuilei (Japan) would be almost single-handedly taking on his opposition, scoring tries or laying down a marker with some bone crunching tackles.

True Champion?

Zar Lawrence putting in a series of stunning performances in Hong Kong, despite finding out the tragic news of the death of his younger brother back in New Zealand.

Women’s Team of the Year?

Australia

England warmed up nicely for the Inaugural Women’s World Cup beating USA in extra time in San Diego, and with Simon Amor and Mike Friday at the helm, were favourites heading to Dubai. Yet similarly to the Men’s competition the form got ripped up when little fancied Aussies beat the English 17-10 in the last 8. The Aussies, also the UR7s team of the month in April, with the majority of the squad new to sevens and from a touch rugby background, went onto to beat South Africa in a final to lift the title. Much of the credit must also lay with former coach Shawn Mackay, who tragically died back in April.

Best Atmosphere?
The legend of Hong Kong loves on with a packed out So Kon Poh providing the usual ambiance that befits everyone’s favourite 7s Mecca. But there are contenders to their crown. Dubai is firmly establishing itself a players favourite with a magical venue –‘The Sevens’ – in the heart of the desert with 40,000 fans appreciatively soaking up the fun. The incredible electricity around the ground in the aftermath of the World Cup Quarter-Finals, with Kenya shocking Fiji, Wales humbling New Zealand, Pumas shutting down the Boks and Samoa beating England in extra time took some beating.

Best Fancy Dress?
Many feel the Wellington Sevens to be on a par with Hong Kong now as tournament and in the fancy dress stakes they have arguably out on the own. Kiwi contingent seem to embrace fancy dress like no other with seemingly every fan making to embrace New Zealand’s ultimate fiesta. The Borat ‘mankini’ may now be banned (incidentally raising a great deal PR for the event) but it doesn’t stop a plethora or innovative garments being donned at the Westpac.

Best Streaker?
The chap who gave the Hong Kong security guys a bit of a run around, before really taking the mickey with some press-ups on half way, slotting a drop kick in front of the South Stand, before wheeling away in celebration only to be finally knocked down by one of the Portuguese players.

Best Post Tournament Venue?
Three Sisters Pub in Edinburgh! A great end of season night enjoyed by fans, coaches, players, and reporters alike. Comfortably beat the 7* Atlantis Hotel in Dubai in my book.