Canada’s Landry up for world’s top player
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 point-scorer.
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.
Blyde, 21, led the World Series with 40 tries this season.
Tui, a 25-year-old prop, played in all six tournaments as New Zealand won five titles.