We’re approaching the halfway stage on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and after four scintillating rounds we’ve seen a number of players shine. Ahead of round five of the series in Las Vegas this coming Friday, here are seven players who are likely to stand out.

Madison Hughes – USA

The USA captain has played two tournaments in Las Vegas previously, helping his side to fourth place in both. He is the USA’s all-time top points scorer and while he is not a try-scoring machine, the playmaker certainly helps the likes of team-mates Perry Baker and Danny Barrett who have 13 and 11 tries apiece this series.

Justin Douglas – Canada

A key player in Canada’s resurgence under head coach Damian McGrath, Douglas is the joint fifth top try-scorer on the series with 16. His outright pace was unleashed in Sydney where he scored five tries and while Vegas isn’t home turf, there will be plenty of Canadian fans in the stands cheering on the 22-year-old.

Chris Dry – South Africa

It’s not just about the try-scorers, although Dry is no stranger to scoring a few himself with nine to his name in 2016-17. The Blitzboks star is the top tackler on the series with 79, 16 more than team-mate Philip Snyman, and puts in the hard yards for his side. 

Tom Mitchell – England

The second highest points scorer so far on the series, with 150 points (50 conversions), Mitchell is a playmaker of the highest calibre. England have made two finals out of four so far this series, so expect to see Mitchell in the business end of things in Vegas.

Scott Curry – New Zealand

Having found his form again after an injury-strewn 2015-16, Curry is a formidable player when on song. He has scored 10 tries this series and played in almost 150 matches for New Zealand in his career.

German Davydov – Russia

The DHL Impact Player for Sydney, Davydov scored five tries and made 33 carries. Russia won the Challenge Trophy in Australia and will be keen to continue their progress, with Davydov undoubtedly at the centre of the action.

Jerry Tuwai – Fiji

A regular on the players to watch list, but rightly so. Tuwai is a master of sevens, with 16 tries already and a crucial player in the Fiji set-up.