World Rugby has unveiled the shortlist of nominees for the 2017 Player of the Year and Rugby Player of the Year Awards in partnership with HSBC, which will be awarded at the World Rugby Awards at the Monte Carlo Salle des Etoiles on November 26.

Both shortlists include the top scorers on the Men’s and Women’s world circuit, three players who finished the previous season with one medal, six Dream Team members and one Olympic Gold Medallist.

“Rugby 7 continues to build, especially after its Olympics debut last year, with record participation, fan engagement, and views during the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series men’s and women’s season,” said Bill Beaumont, President of World Rugby.

“These outstanding athletes have been central to the success of this story; they have inspired new generations of fans and players through their talents and athleticism. They are all great ambassadors for our sport and will continue to play an important role in the success of 7 in the years to come.”

The nominees for the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year 2017 are Michaela Blyde (New Zealand), Ghislaine Landry (Canada) and Ruby Tui (New Zealand). In the category of World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year 2017, the competition is between Perry Baker (USA), Rosko Specman (South Africa) and Jerry Tuwai (Fiji). The two shortlists were selected by a panel of participating team managers, match officials and commentators of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016-17 men and women.

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