Australia's Charlotte Caslick named women's rugby sevens player of the year

• Olympic gold medal winner rewarded for hugely successful year

• Beats Portia Woodman and Emily Scarratt to honour

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Charlotte Caslick’s stellar year, during which she won the World Series title and picked up an Olympic gold medal, has been recognised by World Rugby, who have named the Australian star their women’s sevens player of the year.

The 21-year-old becomes the second Australian to win the award, after Emilee Cherry in 2014, and does so at the third time of asking, having been nominated in the two previous years.

Related: Sarah Hunter crowned women’s player of the year by World Rugby

Caslick beat New Zealand’s Portia Woodman and Emily Scarratt of England and Great Britain to the gong after starring for Australia at the Rio Games, at which she scored seven tries, including an effort in the gold medal match against New Zealand.

“From the age of 17 to now 21, Charlotte has matured into the world’s best player,” Australia coach Tim Walsh said. “She is responsible for branding women’s sevens rugby with a flare, strength and a feminine touch.

“A ruthless competitor with a relentless work ethic and possessing a mental toughness that only comes from being the best, Charlotte has consistently performed at a world class level for over three years.”

Caslick, who was the only Australian nominated for the World Rugby awards, has made 16 international appearances, scoring 190 points from 38 tries since making her debut in 2013.

The latest accolade comes after she was named in World Rugby’s 2015-16 Dream Team for a second consecutive year and she picked up the 2016 Shawn Mackay Award for Australia’s most outstanding women’s player at the John Eales medal awards.