5 players to watch - 7's World Series

2024 has been a significant year for the sport of Rugby 7’s. The bright lights of the Olympics shone brightly on the format and the allure of a Gold medal attracted superstars like Antoine Dupont. The challenging task that lies ahead for World Rugby though, is to harness the momentum from the Olympics and extend the spotlight onto the HSBC SVNS World Series - which kicks off this weekend in the heat of the Dubai desert.

As a new Olympic cycle begins, it means a number of 7’s stars have moved onto the next chapter of their careers. We’ll no longer see American Perry Baker gliding down the touchline, or Puma Rodrigo Isgro ghosting through a defence or Irish talisman Terry Kennedy producing yet another magical assist. This season marks a changing of the guard on the 7’s circuit, but in turn, provides an opportunity for the next crop of superstars to shine on the world stage - and here’s 5 players you should keep an eye on this season…

1) Lucas Lacamp - USA

Lacamp is one of the most underrated players on the tour, although I think that will change this season and he’ll begin to receive the plaudits he deserves. He is an extremely skilful player with a high rugby IQ, with an ability to not only identify space, but capitalise on it. Although he isn’t lightning fast, he does have a good burst of acceleration allowing him to glide through holes in a defensive line.

This will be his third season on the tour and after learning his trade under ex-coach Mike Friday and alongside prior talismen including Kevon Williams, Steve Tomasin, Maddison Hughes and Perry Baker, Lacamp will need to take the reins in this young, new-look American side.

2) Oli Mathis - New Zealand

Mathis will be making his All Black 7’s debut this weekend, but there is plenty of hype and anticipation surrounding the 19 year old’s future. After impressing for New Zealand Schoolboys, Mathis played for Waikato in the NPC this season - uniquely playing both as a flanker and a winger, scoring 5 tries in his 7 appearances. That versatility is likely to be what caught the eyes of the 7’s coaches in New Zealand, as he possesses the speed and agility to be a real threat on the edge, but also the physicality and technical skills in the contact areas. That balance is likely to be a recipe for success in the 7’s format and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes this season.

3) Harry Glover - Great Britain

Glover is by no-means a newcomer to the 7’s series - amassing 133 matches in his 7’s career to date - but I think his role on the Great Britain squad will be even more crucial this season. Glover stands at 6”4 and exudes athleticism. He carries the ball like a Fijian - direct in contact but always looking for an offload. This role in a 7’s team is vital as it attracts defenders, enabling space elsewhere to be capitalised on. Prior skipper Alex Davis used to share this load however, with Davis no longer playing, I think Glover will be the focal point for the British attack this season.

4) Tristan Leyds - South Africa

Tristan is the younger brother of La Rochelle’s Dylan Leyds and made his Blitzbok 7’s debut last season. He is slighter in stature than his brother, although where he lacks in size and power, he makes up with speed and creativity. Although South Africa under performed last season - finishing 7th overall - the introduction of Leyds into their program was certainly a positive. His quick feet and an innate ability to identify space makes him a nightmare for defenders on the series.

Selvyn Davids has been their long-standing playmaker - and was recently named in the 2024 7’s Dream Team at the World Rugby Awards - however he is injured, meaning Leyds will need to take centre-stage as the creative spark to ignite the Blitzbok attack this season.

5) Patrick Odongo - Kenya

I’m delighted that Kenya has returned to the World Series this season, after deservedly earning promotion from the Challenger series. They bring their own style and energy to the series which is always entertaining. At the center of their attempt at returning to the top tier of 7’s was speedster and try-scoring wizard Patrick Odongo and he will be crucial for the Shujaa again this year. With players such as Wekesa and skipper Ooro, there is no doubt that the Kenyans have the ability to bully sides, but it’s the line-breaking speed of Odongo that will be required to convert pressure into points. It’s always a fun ride watching the Kenyans - and they are certain to take a few scalps along the way this season.