England captain Ollie Phillips was named world Sevens player of the year on Sunday night.

Phillips, 26, collected the International Rugby Board award after leading England to tournament victories in London and Wellington and to third place in the final World Series table.

"It's been a fantastic year personally and collectively for our team and to captain any England side is a huge honour," said Phillips, who received the award at a Murrayfield function.

"I was surprised to be on the shortlist of nominees for the award, so to win and be named as the best Sevens player in the world is really special.

"There's a lot of players who've graced that turf who are pretty special too, some get recognised, some don't and fortunately for me people have picked me out."

Phillips, who is leaving Newcastle for Stade Francais this summer, becomes the second Englishman to be named world Sevens player of the year.

Former captain Simon Amor - now coach of the successful England women's Sevens team - won the inaugural award in 2004.

Phillips was selected from a six-man shortlist that included Renfred Dazel and Mpho Mbiyozo, who helped South Africa win the title.

Kenyan captain Humphrey Kayange and Collins Injera plus Fijian Emosi Vucago were also nominated.