The HSBC Canada Sevens Series is about to set up camp in Vancouver, playing host to some of rugby’s most exciting superstars. With the Olympics in Rio looming there is added weight to the tournament and players are motivated more than ever to bring their A-game in hopes of landing a spot at the Olympics. There will be plenty of entertaining rugby sevens on display and we’ve picked seven players we think will impress March 12-13. Ones to watch:
Akira Ioane, New Zealand

Akira Ioane is arguably the hottest prospect on the sevens circuit. Many in the All Blacks camp consider him to be the future of New Zealand sevens, which brings enormous expectation for someone who is just starting his career. The 20 year old’s extraordinary talent is obvious; his agility and foot speed rivals the best in the game, breaking tackles is second nature to him and his pace and power is staggering. Ioane also seems to be a natural leader with a mindset to match his imposing stature at six foot, four inches. He dominated the Wellington Sevens this season, left his mark in Sydney’s tournament and is set to plow through teams in Vancouver. Keep an eye on this one.
Sonny Bill Williams, New Zealand

Staying with the Kiwis for a moment, Sonny Bill Williams is on a mission to solidify a spot in New Zealand’s rugby sevens squad for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. He has enjoyed a successful rugby career in the 15-a-side format and is known for his one-on-one tackles and agile lines of running. Now Williams is trying his hand at sevens and so far this season he is off to an impressive start, adjusting well to the fast pace of sevens utilizing his speed, strength and uncanny ability to offload.

Collins Injera, Kenya

Rugby fans will remember Collins Injera celebrating his 200^th international try last year by pulling a permanent marker pen out of his sock and signing a camera, destroying a very expensive lens. But what he is respected and better known for is his on-pitch performance. The vice captain is the top try scorer currently playing in the HSBC Sevens Series and the third top try scorer of all time in history. His explosive play-making ability makes him one to watch this tournament.

Cameron Clark, Australia

Cameron Clarke has established himself as the reliable backbone of Australian sevens. The 22-year-old has emerged from his father’s shadow – son of Greg Clark, Fox Sports’ main rugby commentator – and has been a mainstay since making his debut with the team in the 2012 tournament in Wellington. The agile back has racked up more than 500 points and has solid international tournament experience having played in a World Cup and the Commonwealth Games for the Australian sevens team. His sights are set on earning a spot on Australia’s sevens Olympic squad.

Nathan Hirayama, Canada

Hirayama has been a mainstay for Canada’s sevens team since making his series debut in 2006 at
the age of 18. Following in the footsteps of his father, Garry, who also competed as a Canadian international rugby player, the BC boy has built a global reputation as one the top playmakers in the game and is known for his accurate kicking. Spicy Nate, as he is known among friends, ranks among the top three in points scored so far this season and in this year’s HSBC Wellington Sevens tournament he scored his 50th career try on the HSBC Sevens Series circuit, a milestone for any player. Hirayama was also a member of Canada’s 2011 and 2015 gold winning Pan-Am Games team.

Seabelo Senatla, South Africa

Seabelo Senatla is one of the most difficult players in the game to catch. His speed alone is among the fastest on the pitch, but combined with his brilliant vision and accurate passing, he has become central to the Blitzbokke game. He was one of three South Africans to make the Series’ Season Dream Team last year and was the leading try scorer on the circuit last season with 47.
Savenaca Rawaca, Fiji

Rawaca’s combined brute force, speed and light hands make him a formidable Fijian force. The back has one of the best stutter steps on the sevens pitch and handles and offloads skilfully. Rawaca was integral to Fiji’s win in Dubai in December in the season’s opening tournament. As the defending series champions, Fiji have quite the target on their back as the Olympics edge closer.