Jerry Tuwai has won the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award.

The Fijian playmaker was nominated for the third year running after once again carving open defences at will with his vision and step, making the most of his diminutive frame to dart through gaps to create opportunities for himself or those around him.

Congratulations brus @JerryTuwai https://t.co/cZ4BHHu10c

— nemzy (@nemani_nadolo) November 3, 2019

Article continues after advertisement

He may no longer have the captain’s armband but he is still the heartbeat of the Fijian side, helping them win titles in Cape Town, Hamilton, Hong Kong, London and Paris and a third series title for himself.

Phil4:13 Congatulation to the one and only @fijirugby 7s superstar and the HSBC player of the year. I’m so proud of you Rt Tau, and thank you for all you’ve done for our little Fiji Is. Many more to come and GB always #faithmovesmoutains #tosokaiviti ???☝️? pic.twitter.com/9rBOAf8CuY

— Waisale_Serevi (@Waisale_Serevi) November 3, 2019

While receiving the award in Tokyo Japan, Tuwai says it’s a huge achievement for his career.

“This means the world to me, to my family and to Fiji. And it’s been a long journey – a very hard journey for me because as you can see I think I am the smallest player in World Series.”

The 30-year-old also featured in the HSBC Dream Team for the third year in a row.

A well-deserved accolade for our own Jerry Tuwai.

We know Jerry is far too humble to sing his own praises, but with 18 cup finals, one Gold medal, and three World Series titles, he’s not only the man of the year in 7s Rugby, he’s one of the greatest players of all time! https://t.co/itEBSWKisn

— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) November 3, 2019

Other nominees included USA’s Folau Niua and Stephen Tomasin

Full list of World Rugby Awards winners:

World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, in association with Mastercard – Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, in association with Mastercard – Emily Scarratt (England)

World Rugby Team of the Year – South Africa

World Rugby Coach of the Year – Rassie Erasmus (South Africa)

World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in association with Tudor – Romain Ntamack (France)

World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Jerry Tuwai (Fiji)

World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with HSBC – Ruby Tui (New Zealand)

World Rugby Referee Award – Wayne Barnes (England)

Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – Bernard Lapasset (France)

Award for Character in association with Land Rover – The city of Kamaishi

IRP Special Merit Award – Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)

IRP Try of the Year – TJ Perenara (New Zealand, v Namibia)