Saracens captain Kevin Barrett poses with the 7s Series silverware following his side's triumph last year © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Olympic legend trains with Harlequins

News: Saracens clinch Sevens glory

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Saracens

The nominees for the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series Player of the Season have been announced alongside the dates for this year's competition.

Saracens claimed the inaugural title in August last year with victory over Newcastle in the tournament finale and their captain Kevin Barrett leads the list of nominated players.

Barrett used all his England 7s experience to guide a young but hugely talented Sarries squad to the title but he could be imparting that experience to Exeter Chiefs next season with the lively playmaker set for a switch to Sandy Park in the summer.

Joining Barrett on the shortlist is Saracens team-mate Jackson Wray who kicked on from a series of outstanding displays in the 7s Series to make his Aviva Premiership debut during the regular season. Harlequins back-row Chris York has also been nominated after a strong showing in the competition and has since featured on the Premiership stage for his Twickenham-based club.

Two players from outside the Premiership complete the line-up following their eye-catching cameos. Macclesfield wing Josh Fowles was a pacey and physical presence for Sale Sharks during their run to the competition finale. The final nominee is current Blackheath wing Tyson Lewis, who represented Newcastle Falcons in the tournament.

Premiership Rugby have also revealed the dates and venues of the three regional pool events this summer. Bath will host the first event of the 2011 series at The Recon Friday, July 15 where the hosts will be joined by Exeter Chiefs, Gloucester Rugby and Harlequins.

From Bath the series moves to Northampton, which last year boasted the biggest crowd of the year, for an event featuring the Saints, holders Saracens, London Irish and London Wasps. The final pool event takes place in Stockport, which hosts its first ever event, with Leicester Tigers, Leeds Carnegie and Newcastle Falcons providing the opposition.

The final will be held at The Twickenham Stoop on Friday, August 5.

JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series Player of the Season nominees:
Kevin Barrett (Saracens)
Josh Fowles (Sale Sharks)
Tyson Lewis (Newcastle Falcons)
Jackson Wray (Saracens)
Chris York (Harlequins)

JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series schedule:
Friday, July 15, 2011 - The Recreation Ground, Bath
Friday, July 22, 2011 - Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
Friday, July 29, 2011 - Edgeley Park, Stockport
Friday, August 5, 2011 - The Twickenham Stoop, Twickenham