Samisoni Viriviri’s name was called out at a function following the London Sevens at Twickenham, the final Round of the 2013 / 2014 HSBC Sevens World Series won by New Zealand.
He becomes the first Fijian to win the award since it was first presented in 2004, having finished the season with 52 tries.
Sport24
Viriviri beat fellow nominees Kyle Brown (South Africa), Tim Mikkelson (New Zealand) and Tom Mitchell (England) after the outstanding quartet had been shortlisted by the management teams of the 15 core sides who compete at all nine rounds of the World Series.
“I am very proud to win this award and be the first Fijian to be named IRB Sevens Player of the Year. I would like to thank God, my coach, my team-mates and also my mum,” said an emotional Viriviri.
IRB Sevens Player of the Year – Roll of honour
- 2014 – Samisoni Viriviri, Fiji
- 2013 – Tim Mikkelson, New Zealand
- 2012 – Tomasi Cama, New Zealand
- 2011 – Cecil Afrika, South Africa
- 2010 – Mikaele Pesamino, Samoa
- 2009 – Ollie Phillips, England
- 2008 – DJ Forbes, New Zealand
- 2007 – Afeleke Pelenise, New Zealand
- 2006 – Uale Mai, Samoa
- 2005 – Orene Ai’i, New Zealand
- 2004 – Simon Amor, England