An Argentinian has been named as World Rugby’s Sevens Player of the Year for 2021.

Marcos Moneta was crowned as the best sevens player in the world on Thursday.

The 21-year-old had shown glimpses of his potential in the World Rugby Sevens Series 2020, but it was at the Olympic Games in Tokyo that he announced his name to the watching world with six tries to finish as top try-scorer as Argentina won the bronze medal.

The 21-year-old, a Youth Olympic Games gold medallist in 2018, scored his tries at key moments, not least a double in the quarter-finals as the six – and for a period five – men of Argentina held off South Africa to keep their medal hopes alive.

Moneta, who vied with Fijian duo Napolioni Bolaca and Jiuta Wainiqolo and Kiwi Scott Curry for the award, is the first Argentinian to win the accolade.

France’s Anne-Cécile Ciofani won the Women’s Sevens Player of the Year award.

Winning Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in association with @HSBC_Sport means one thing…

Getting the @fallinginsand treatment ?#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/6LTfz52PdN

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) December 9, 2021

“Marcos…how are you?”

A surprise presentation from @IrishRugby legend @BrianODriscoll to Marcos Moneta, Men’s Sevens Player of the Year, in association with @HSBC_Sport #WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/77og2fOK70

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) December 9, 2021