Stanthorpe connection to best sevens woman in the world

Charlotte Caslick wins rugby sevens award for best in the world

Australia's Charlotte Caslick is tackled by Sarah Goss of New Zealand in the Women's Rugby Sevens at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Picture: DEAN LEWINS

RUGBY UNION: A player with a Stanthorpe connection has won the Women's Sevens Player of the Year award.

Charlotte Caslick has lots of relatives at Stanthorpe and her father Don was well known when he played sport in Stanthorpe more than two decades ago. Her brother Sam also plays for Australia.

Caslick enjoyed a stellar season with the Aussie Women's Sevens team which included a maiden HSBC Women's Sevens World Series title and an historic Olympic gold.

It was third time lucky for 21-year-old Caslick, who has been nominated for the award for the past three years. She is just the second Australian to win the award, following in the footsteps of team mate Emilee Cherry who won the award in 2014.

To claim the award Caslick overcame 2015 winner Portia Woodman of New Zealand - the top try-scorer on the 2015-16 HSBC World Rugby Women's Sevens Series - and Emily Scarratt, the England and Great Britain captain.

Caslick was one of Australia's star performers at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, scoring seven tries throughout the tournament including a crucial try against New Zealand in the Gold Medal match that ultimately ensured an Australian victory.

Since making her debut in 2013 Caslick has scored 190 points from 38 tries in her Australian Sevens career and has 16 caps to her name.　

Qantas Australian Women's Head Coach Tim Walsh extended his congratulations to Charlotte:

"From the age of 17 to now 21, Charlotte has matured into the World's best player,” he said.

"She is responsible for branding Women's Sevens Rugby with a flare, strength and a femine touch.

"A ruthless competitor with a relentless work ethic and possesing a mental toughness that only comes from being the best, Charlotte has consistently performed at a World Class level for over three years.”　

Caslick's victory follows an incredible run of personal success in 2016. She was also named in World Rugby's 2015-16 Dream Team for the second consecutive year and took home the 2016 Shawn Mackay Award for Australia's most outstanding female player at the John Eales Medal awards.

The HSBC Sevens World Series for the 2016-2017 season kicks off in Dubai on December 1.