Juries nominated for IRB Sevens award
Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:59
The International Rugby Board (IRB) has unveiled the shortlist of nominees for the IRB Sevens Player of the Year award category.
The award represents the ultimate accolade for Sevens players, and the winner will be announced at the IRB Awards in London on November 23.
New Zealand's dominance of the 2007/08 IRB Sevens World Series, which included a record run of 47 matches undefeated, is underlined with the nomination of inspirational captain DJ Forbes.
The New Zealander is joined in the shortlist by Samoa captain Uale Mai, the most capped Sevens player of all time and the recipient of the award in 2006, and South Africa's veteran star Fabian Juries.
The three nominees were selected by a panel comprising the team managers from the IRB Sevens World Series.
"Rugby Sevens broke new ground in 2007/08," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
"Not only did the popular IRB Sevens World Series shatter all previous Series attendance and broadcast records, but an unprecedented level of Sevens Rugby has been played around the world this year with the continuation of qualifying for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai, the first RWC Sevens tournament to feature a women's event running alongside the men's."
"The overall competitiveness of Sevens Rugby continues to scale new heights, and the IRB Sevens Player of the Year award presents the IRB with the opportunity to recognise those who made a significant impact in the game during 2008," added Lapasset.
The IRB Awards is one of the most prestigious evenings on the rugby calendar and will be attended by 700 guests, among them stars of the game past and present, referees, ambassadors and other distinguished members of the rugby family.
Other awards presented at the IRB Awards include the Spirit of Rugby award, the IRB Development award, the Women's Personality award, the IRB Team of the Year award and IRB Coach of the Year award.
The nominations for the prestigious IRB Player of the Year award, currently held by Springbok Bryan Habana, will be announced after the completion of the Tri-Nations.
During the IRB Awards a total of five candidates will be inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame - two from the 19th century, two from the 20th century and one from the 21st century.
Full list of categories:
IRB Player of the Year
IRB Coach of the Year
IRB Team of the Year
IRB Sevens Player of the Year
IRB Junior Player of the Year
IRB Hall of Fame
IRB Development Award
Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service
Women's Personality
IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service
Spirit of Rugby Award
IRPA Try of the Year
IRPA Special Merit Award
