Rugby Sevens at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Top 7 Men to watch out for

When Semi Radradra announced his intention to join the Fiji rugby 7s team at Tokyo 2020, it became apparent that this was going to be an extra special tournament.

The powerhouse back is just one of several high profile 15-a-side players that have temporarily switched codes for their chance at winning an Olympic gold medal.

But will these relative newcomers be able to keep up with established sevens specialists like USA winger Carlin Isles?

Below, we take a look at seven exciting players set to light up the men’s tournament in Japan.

READ: Everything you need to know about rugby 7s at Tokyo 2020

1 - Semi Radradra (Fiji)

Semi Radradra is seen by many as the best 15-a-side player in the world, and his late decision to join the Fijian 7s team for Tokyo 2020 will significantly boost their chances of winning a second-consecutive Olympic title. The giant back boasts outrageous power and agility in equal measure, meaning he can run through or around defenders with ease, while his teammates can expect a constant supply of try-scoring passes.

2 - Carlin Isles (USA)

The United States’ speed machine will be looking to do more of what he does best… score tries. Carlin Isles is likely the fastest man in the sport, and makes length-of-the-field runs round hapless defenders look easy. The Eagles have improved immeasurably since their early exit at Rio 2016, and with the likes of Isles in their team, will be disappointed with anything less than a medal.

READ: Exclusive: Carlin Isles playing in memory of his brother at Tokyo 2020

3 - Samu Kerevi (Australia)

Being born in Fiji where rugby sevens is the national sport meant that Samu Kerevi needed no second invitation to play at Tokyo 2020. Like Radradra, he has taken a sabbatical from 15s in order to play for Australia, the country he moved to as a refugee when he was four. In many ways it was a perfect opportunity for Kerevi, who plays club rugby in Japan and will be used to the conditions. He is a try scoring machine with a bullet pass.

4 - Jerry Tuwai (Fiji)

Jerry Tuwai is the sole survivor from Fiji’s team that won the first men’s rugby sevens Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016. He is now a leader of the team and while a step of pace has gone, his trademark vision and never-say-die attitude mean that he was recently voted sevens player of the decade. Playing inside talent like Radradra means that Fiji are odds on to defend their title in Tokyo.

READ: Exclusive! Jerry Tuwai: How poverty helped drive my career

5 - Jordan Conroy (Ireland)

Ireland have enjoyed a mesmeric rise to the top table of rugby sevens in recent years, and flying winger Jordan Conroy has been central to that effort. He topped the global try-scoring charts in his nation’s first World Series in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the season to a premature end. His electric pace can turn any game on its head.

6 - Nathan Hirayama (Canada)

Canada’s Opening Ceremony flag-bearer Nathan Hirayama is a World Series veteran and his leadership ability will be key to Canada’s chances in Japan. The playmaker of Japanese descent has the ability to control a game and also serves as his team’s kicker. If Canada can progress from the group stage and Hirayama is in form, then there is no reason why the North American nation can’t get to the final.

7 - Selvyn Davids (South Africa)

South Africa won bronze at Rio 2016, and with Selvyn Davids now pulling the strings in midfield they are capable of beating anyone. The playmaker has filled the sizable hole left by the retirement of veteran Cecil Afrika. His constant half-breaks mean defences are kept honest and his team score plenty of tries. A creative genius that could be the breakout player of the tournament.