Culminating a milestone three weeks for Henry Hutchison, the UNSW Commerce student was named the 2021 Shawn Mackay Award winner as Rugby Australia's Men's Sevens Player of the Year.
Named in memory of the former Australian Rugby Sevens captain, who tragically lost his life after being struck by a car in 2009, Hutchison and Charlotte Caslick were named the 2021 male and female recipients respectively.
Former Ben Lexcen Scholar and Wallabies debutant last year, Andrew Kellaway, was named 2021 Rookie of the Year.
Hutchison recently led the Australian Men's Sevens to a silver medal at the Seville World Series event in Spain late last month, deputising for Nick Malouf.
In his first stint as captain, Hutchison also led his nation to fourth at the Malaga Sevens also in Spain during January. Those results kept Australia third in the Men's World Series standings.
Last year, Hutchison became a two-time Olympian when he represented the Australian Men's Sevens at the Tokyo Olympic Games following the sport's inaugural appearance in Rio 2016.
Hutchison told rugby.com.au that the award was "extra special to my family and myself" given his link with Shawn.
"Shawn typified what it meant to be an Australian 7s player and my father actually taught him at Waverley," Hutchison said.
"To be recognised by your teammates for your contribution to the team is very humbling and is the greatest honour a player can receive."
The award adds to the growing list of accolades for the 24-year-old who was named World Rugby Sevens Rookie of the Year in 2015/16.
That same year Hutchison was awarded UNSW’s 2016 Male Athlete of the Year, received a UNSW Sporting Blue in 2021 and has been a Ben Lexcen Scholar during his degree.
Hutchison is also a member of UNSW's partner, Randwick District Rugby Union Club.
Kellaway made his international debut against France last July with the 26-year-old playing 11 Tests for the Wallabies' last year, scoring eight tries. The outside back now plays with the Melbourne Rebels in the Super Rugby competition.
Henry Hutchison in action during the Tokyo Olympic Games, Credit - Getty Images, Stephen McCarthy.