IRB shortlist four for 7s player of year
The IRB have announced their shortlist of the WSWS Player of the Year, with the selections mirroring the New Zealand and Australia's domination of the series.
Published by John Birch, May 14th, 2014
3 minute read
Kayla McAlister, 2013 IRB Women's Sevens Player of the Year, is in the running for the 2014 award.
Australia’s Emilee Cherry and Charlotte Caslick have been shortlisted for the award alongside New Zealand duo Sarah Goss and Kayla McAlister, the winner of the first award in 2013. With Australia reaching three of the four finals in this year's series, and New Zealand all four, the selection of players from just these the two teams by the management staff of the teams competing against them is no real surprise.
Charlotte Caslick (Australia)is the youngest of the four nominees having only turned 19 in March 2014, Caslick is one of the brightest young stars in women’s rugby. She made her debut in Amsterdam last year and has scored 10 tries in her first full season.
Emilee Cherry (Australia)was a touch rugby champion and a natural reader of the game, Cherry is known for her blistering speed and evasive running. The 21-year-old has been at the forefront of Australia’s success this season and is the leading try and point scorer with 24 tries and 138 points.Sarah Goss (New Zealand)is a hard worker and uncompromisingly tough tackler, Goss gives her team the go-forward and solid base from which to build their many attacks. Compared to All Blacks Sevens captain DJ Forbes for her work ethic and value to the team.Kayla McAlister (New Zealand)was the recipient of the first IRB Women’s Sevens Player of the Year Award in 2013 after only a year in the sport, McAlister has scored 20 more tries this season. A former netballer inspired to try Sevens by the lure of the Olympics, her quick feet and vision have split many a defence and led to tries for the world champions.IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Women’s Rugby Sevens continues to win new admirers all over the world as the quality of the individual athletes and the team performances improve with every season. In this year’s IRB Women’s Sevens World Series we have seen some outstanding matches and these four players in particular have demonstrated what it takes to excel at the top level.“We are now just two years away from Sevens’ Olympic debut in Rio de Janeiro and the teams continue to raise the bar in performance. To be nominated by the teams for this award is a special achievement in itself so I congratulate all four players."
The winner will be announced on Saturday at the conclusion of the Amsterdam Sevens.