Well, we’re all on a rugby hiatus — for now — which means it’s important to keep our minds occupied until it's safe to resume the game we all love.
And with that, we’re catching up on the rugby season to date starting with the Men’s Eagles Sevens — the DAWGS.
So who leads the team in key metrics this season?
Let’s explore.
MOST TRIES - Carlin Isles
Is it even a surprise that the fastest man in rugby is also the team’s highest try scorer this season?
Carlin Isles, better known as C Fly, cruises up the charts with 22 tries and was recently the first USA Eagle to reach 200 career tries in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
Sure, he’s speed racing Perry Baker up those same charts. But the two side-by-side is an explosive combination of skill. We’re winded already.
MOST RUNS - Danny Barrett
A piece of advice: do NOT get in Danny Barrett’s way.
This guy is a model of strength, physicality and ultimate determination. Barrett has bulldozed his way to 78 runs this season and continues to stun audiences with his serious grit.
From overcoming four Fijians who piled on top of him in Vancouver, all the way to the try zone; to his classic and seemingly effortless fends - this is an Eagle with pace and power.
MOST TACKLES - Stephen Tomasin
If you haven’t heard of Stephen Tomasin, shame.
If you have, then you’re not surprised to know he leads the DAWGS in tackles made this season with 47, after being nominated as World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2019.
Tomasin is everything on the field — he runs just as quickly with ball in hand as he does chasing after the other side when they have it. If you ask us, he’s one try-saving tackle away from his own Marvel franchise. Insert cape and mask.
MOST RESTARTS - Naima Fuala’au
Bring in the young guns.
When Folau Niua got injured last season, Naima Fuala’au swooped in to take the reins and is seriously coming into his own.
The youngin leads his squad in restarts with 46 this season and also scored his first career try in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Dare we say it, we’ve got our eyes peeled on this one for the next two Olympic cycles.
Hello, LA28, in our Dr. Dre voice.
To catch up on the 2020 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, watch all men's and women's tournaments on-demand through NBC Sports Gold.
