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Blitzbokke snub for top award

Dublin - A shortlist of three nominees, two New Zealanders and one Englishman, has been unveiled for the IRB Sevens Player of the Year Award.

According to the IRB website, with just one round left to play in the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series, in London, New Zealand duo Tomasi Cama and Frank Halai, along with England's Mat Turner have been nominated for the award.

The trio were shortlisted from a vote by the management teams of the 12 core sides who compete at each and every round of the Series.

The winner will be announced following the conclusion of the London Sevens, at Twickenham Stadium on May 13.

Fijian-born playmaker Cama is up for the award for the second year running, having lost out to South Africa's Cecil Afrika last season. Cama's sharp rugby brain and astute Sevens acumen has once again been a key factor behind New Zealand's drive for a 10th World Series success. He is also currently the season's top point-scorer with 330 and has 28 tries to his name.

Giant wing Frank Halai has also touched down 28 times for the New Zealanders this season. His powerful presence out wide has often proved the difference for the kiwis, no more so than at their home event in Wellington and also in Port Elizabeth, where they won back to back titles.

For England, Mat Turner has produced performances of a consistently high level. Operating from the scrumhalf position and out wide, his pace off the mark and eye for a gap has often lifted his side and his was the telling contribution when Ben Ryan's men retained the Cup title in Dubai, and reached the final in Glasgow.
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