Landry up for player of the year

Canada captain Ghislaine Landry is one of three nominees for World Rugby women’s sevens player of the year.

The 29-year-old from Toronto is up against New Zealand’s Michaela Blyde and Ruby Tui. Nominees for the men’s award are American Perry Baker, South Africa’s Rosko Specman and Fiji’s Jerry Tuwai.

The winners will be announced Nov. 26 at the World Rugby Awards in Monte Carlo. The women’s sevens award has gone to an Australian or New Zealander the last four years.

Landry scored 269 points to lead the World Series for the third season in a row, helping Canada win in Sydney and finish third overall. During the campaign, Landry recorded her 100th try on the world circuit and became the series’ all-time leading pointscorer.

She was named to the tournament dream team in four of six stops.

Landry was a star at St. Francis Xavier University before making her mark on the world scene. An elusive runner, Landry is a cerebral player who can kick, run and pass.

Both shortlists were selected by team managers, match officials and commentators on the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

“Rugby sevens continues to go from strength to strength following a spectacular Olympic Games debut in Rio last year with record attendance, fan-engagement and viewership across the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series,” World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said in a statement. “These exceptional sevens athletes have been at the heart of the success story, inspiring a new generation of fans and players with their skill and athleticism. All are superb ambassadors for our sport and will play a huge part in the sevens success story for many seasons to come.”

The sevens awards are two of 12 to be handed out in Monte Carlo.