Rugby: 9 stars to look out for at Singapore Sevens tournament

(From left) Sonny Bill Williams, Cameron Clarke, Seabelo Senatla and Dan Norton will be in Singapore for the Singapore leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series. PHOTOS: AFP

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Sevens makes its much-anticipated return to the National Stadium after 10 years with 16 of the planet's top rugby sevens teams set to do battle on this weekend (April 16 and 17).

The shortened format of sevens promises end-to-end action and high-scoring matches crammed inside bite-sized seven-minute halves.

The Straits Times picks out nine players expected to play a starring role for their countries.

1. Cameron Clark, 23, Australia

Position: Centre

Cameron Clarke of Australia (top) scores a try as he is tackled by Tiago Fernandes of Portugal (bottom) in their Pool A match in the Sydney Sevens rugby Union tournament. PHOTO: AFP

2. Sonny Bill Williams, 30, New Zealand

Position: Centre/Winger

New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams taking a selfie with fans during the cup final against South Africa on the second day of the Wellington Sevens rugby Union tournament. PHOTO: AFP
Remote video URL
Remote video URL

3. Osea Kolinisau, 30, Fiji

Position: Wing

Fiji's Osea Kolinisau (centre) being tackled during the final of the Men's 2016 USA Sevens Rugby Tournament in Las Vegas on March 6, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

4. Perry Baker, 29, USA

Position: Winger

Perry Baker of the United States carries the ball against Canada during the USA Sevens Rugby tournament. PHOTO: AFP

5. Seabelo Senatla, 23, South Africa

Position: Winger

Seabelo Senatla of South Africa runs in a try during the match between South Africa and Scotland at the HSBC Sydney Sevens. PHOTO: AFP

6. Dan Norton, 28, England

Position: Winger/fullback

England's Dan Norton runs with the ball during the Plate Final between the US and England for the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament. PHOTO: EPA

7. Collins Injera, 29, Kenya

Position: Winger

Kenya's Collins Injera reacts after scoring during their match against Fiji during the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament. PHOTO: AFP

8. Fernando Luna, 25, Argentina

Position: Fullback

Argentina's Fernando Luna (Top) is tackled by Australia's James Stannard during the plate final on the second day of the Wellington Sevens rugby Union tournament. PHOTO: AFP

9. Phoenix Hunapo-Nofoa, 21, Samoa

Position: Inside centre

Samoa's Phoenix Hunapo-Nofoa (left) passes the ball before being tackled by France's Arthur Bonneval (right) during the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament. PHOTO: AFP

The brightest spark in a struggling Samoa team, with Fijian-like sharp footwork and an abundance of speed and strength, he was part of the dream team in the Canada Sevens last month.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.