Rugby sevens: NZ duo up for top award

Tomasi Cama. Photo / Getty Images

Sevens playmaker Tomasi Cama and powerful wing Frank Halai have both been shortlisted for the IRB sevens player of the year.

Manawatu's Cama, the current leading points scorer in this season's sevens world series, has been nominated for the second year running.

Waikato's Halai has been nominated for the first time and currently sits third equal with Cama on 28 tries in the top try-scorer stakes this season.

New Zealand Rugby Union's general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said: "I would like to congratulate Tomasi and Frank on their nominations. Both players have made outstanding contributions to the team this season and really deserve this recognition.''

England's Mat Turner is the other nominee in the shortlist unveiled by the IRB overnight. (NZT)

The three were selected on the basis of votes by the management teams of the 12 core sevens sides who participate in every tournament.

The winner will be announced following the final leg of the series in London on Sunday night (UKT).

Meanwhile, Bay of Plenty's Jack Wilson has been called into the New Zealand sevens squad for the final leg of the series.

Wilson comes in to replace Auckland's Bryce Heem who suffered a concussion in New Zealand's 29-14 win over England in the final of the Glasgow tournament last Sunday.

New Zealand currently leads the world series standings on 150 points, with Fiji in second place on 139 points.