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

There will be some familiar faces on show when the women’s rugby sevens tournament at Tokyo 2020 kicks off.

Despite the difficulties the sport has faced in the run up to the games with national programmes being cut and the 2020 World Series being cancelled, many women have since returned for a crack at winning gold in what will be the sport’s second Olympic appearance.

Can Portia Woodman help New Zealand, who agonisingly lost in the Rio 2016 final, clinch the one title that still eludes them?

There is a very good chance we could see a repeat gold-medal match with Charlotte Caslick heading up a very experienced Australian outfit, determined to defend their title

But this tournament will be littered with exciting talent throughout, and below we take a look at seven athletes you will want to keep an eye out for

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

1 - Charlotte Caslick (Australia)

Charlotte Caslick was one of the standout players at Rio 2016, with her trademark bone-crunching hits a standout feature. The 26-year-old became an overnight sensation back home when Australia landed the sports first Olympic gold medal and is finding her best form again after some injuries. Caslick is also one of her team’s chief creators and leaders. If the Pearls are to beat the likes of New Zealand, USA and Canada, Caslick is going to be central to their success.

READ: Charlotte Caslick: Rugby queen, influencer and much more

2 - Portia Woodman (New Zealand)

Her name sounds like a fast car, which is particularly fitting for the top try scorer on the World Series ever. New Zealand flyer Portia Woodman was recently voted World Rugby’s World Sevens Player of the Decade, and has been awarded Player of the year awards in both 7s and 15s. But the hurt of losing last year’s final, in which she was sin-binned, will still burn deep. Expect to see Woodman fired up.

READ: Exclusive! Portia Woodman on her mission for double gold

3 - Ghislaine Landry (Canada)

Canada’s Ghislaine Landry is the queen of consistency, which is saying something for a player who’s game is based around out-and-out aggression. She never takes a backward step, and punches well above her weight. Despite her excellent physicality, the Toronto native also processes a very clever rugby mind which allows her to exploit any defensive weaknesses. The playmaker has amassed 1,356 points on the tour and if she is in form, Canada could find themselves on the podium once again.

4 - Alev Kelter (USA)

Former university hockey player Alev Kelter was a late convert to rugby, but quickly made up for lost time. The agile scrum-half crossed the line five times at Rio 2016, and is one of the team’s most reliable defenders. On attack, it’s her outside break that keeps defences honest, and there’s a feeling that she’ll do something magic every time she touches the ball. With Kelter at the helm, the USA are definite medal contenders.

5 - Jasmine Joyce (Great Britain) 

Don’t be fooled by Jaz Joyce’s size. The Welsh winger has played at the highest level of rugby in both 15s and 7s, meaning she has no issue with physicality. She is an instinctive player blessed with bags of pace, meaning that she is a constant threat with ball in hand. The Bristol Bear’s experience may also come invaluable, as she was part of the GB team that finished fourth at Rio 2016.

6 - Rusila Nagasau (Fiji)

The Fijiana 7s team were dealt a blow shortly before Tokyo 2020 with star players Vani Buleki and Luisa Tisolo being ruled out through injury. Luckily, the team is still able to call on an experienced head in Rusila Nagasau to captain them. The former international football player is well versed in what it takes to win on this stage, having played at the Rio 2016 Olympics. She was also her nation’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony.

7 - Fanny Horta (France)

Fanny Horta is one of four French players to return for a second Olympic Games at Tokyo 2020. The influential captain is in the latter stages of her career and would love nothing more than to sign off on her career with a medal in Japan. The wing / centre is a key cog in the French defence and she rarely makes mistakes.