Fiji's Jerry Tuwai has been crowned as the World Rugby Men's Sevens Players of the Year.
It was a case of third time lucky for the 30-year-old playmaker, who was also nominated for the award in 2017 and 2018.
Tuwai was a key figure as Fiji won titles in Cape Town, Hamilton, Hong Kong, London and Paris to secure the 2018/19 World Series title, their first since 2016, and was named in the World Series 'Dream Team' for the third year running.
Fiji's Jerry Tuwai was named player of the final in Hamilton. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
The Olympic gold medallist is the first Fijian player to win the award since Samisoni Viriviri in 2014.
He said Fiji's sevens success is a group effort.
"I think it's all about the love and passion that we have for the game and the bond that we have for each other."
Jerry Tuwai has been recognised as the best sevens player in the world. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Meanwhile former Manu Samoa captain Papaliitele Peter Fatialofa was one of six people inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame at last night's awards ceremony in Tokyo.
Peter Fatialofa played 34 tests for Manu Samoa and also coach the Manusina women's national team. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
His wife Anne accepted the award on behalf of her late husband, just three days shy of the sixth anniversary of his death.
"I think for everybody, including...my kids, it's an honour and it's such a privilege and it would have been really nice if he was here to accept it," she said.
"So, on behalf of Kerr's Road and everybody else I would like to say thank you World Rugby for this inducting, it means so much to us."
Peter Fatialofa’s wife Anne remembers her husband and speaks about how honoured the family is after he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame as #146#WorldRugbyHOF pic.twitter.com/FZHP5Y2JRH
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 3, 2019
South African flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and England centre Emily Scarratt were awarded the men's and women's players of the year awards, with Rassie Erasmus taking out the coaching gong and the world champion Springboks recognised as the team of the year.
USA hooker Joe Taufete'e, who was born in American Samoa, was also nominated for the men's award.
