Everyone is already labelling former Australian sprinter, Trae Williams, the fastest rugby player in the world.
The superlative is certainly not without merit.
The 22-year-old, affectionately known as ‘Quadzilla’, has a 100m PB of 10.10 seconds; 0.03 seconds faster than that of USA Sevens star, Carlin Isles.
But rugby is rarely played in uninterrupted 100m dashes. If Quadzilla truly wants to claim the mantle of World’s Fastest Rugby Player, he’ll need to best Isles’ turf-torching run at the Paris Sevens where he reached speeds of up to 37km/h – and not for the first time.
The 29-year-old, Carlin Isles, took up rugby in 2012 and has already amassed 185 tries in 233 games, ranking second behind Perry Baker for the most career tries scored for the US.
Many of his runaway specials have tracked top speeds of 37km/h, including one at the 2017 Dubai Sevens and another at the New Zealand Sevens earlier this year.
When Williams announced his move to rugby in May, Isles was quick to remind us all of these on-field exploits, declaring himself the “fastest forever!” on Twitter.
But before you start dreaming of fiery on-field sledging and battles of one-upmanship, the pair were quick to hose down any rumours of animosity… on a Roar Rugby Instagram post no less.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep speed does definitely help, in the Seven's environment, but as we've seen with the two Yank, speedsters, is that they do lack badly, on their basic skill sets, but it's noticed , they have been improving.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
He was born and bred in NZ...you know just like Phar Lap....
P2R2
Roar Rookie
TO your last point....he has a rugby background...NZ 7s will take him after his Olympics and watch out...he was never going to play/represent AUS...pfff
Jibba Jabba
Roar Guru
Eddie Nketia has apparently committed to NZ Athletics until after the Olympics, then the hope is he will try NZ 7s and after that - and if good enough to ABs.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Interesting. He spent ages about 10-18 in Aust, so we've lost out a bit there. I hope the same doesn't happen with Sasha Zhoya going to France - he's an even bigger talent (in athletics). World best for his age in hurdles and pole vault - just amazing.
jameswm
Roar Guru
That average does include the fact he started at 0kmh. And he had a 0.9m/sec tailwind, with 2.0m/sec permitted for records. So not the perfect wind, and he'd have gone up to 0.05 faster with a 2.0. Good track agreed, and a frew people in good shape pushing themselves.
Uriah Heep
Roar Rookie
Yes Eddie has a solid rugby background. But he’s now back in NZ at school in Wellington and signed with NZ Athletics -with an eye on All Black 7s (and 15s ultimately) as well.
CUW
Roar Rookie
Bolt averaged 37.5 kmph in that sprint must remember he never ran that quick again or before - coz that was the perfect conditions on a brand new track with ideal wind conditions. only guy who really challenged him was Blake - with a 9.69 without wind.
KT
Guest
Interesting nobody has not mentioned Perry Baker or M Longbottom from the Aussie side. The chase down by the opposition is always a thought in rugby whether from behind or the angle.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Bolt in his 9.58 reached 44.7kmh. Trae in his 10.10 would have reached 42-42.3kmh. That 37km by Isles during a game is about 12% slower, allowing for grass, boots and carrying a ball. Pretty close I'd say, hence the 10.10 v 10.13 PBs. Surprised the 7s didn't chase national champ Eddie Nketia. Massive unit as well as a 10.19 runner, not sure if he has any rugby background though.