The vibrant rugby career of Fiji men’s rugby sevens captain Jerry Tuwai has finally come to an end.
The 35-year-old officially announced his retirement yesterday, just hours after leading the Fiji team to secure the silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games held at the Stade de France.
Tuwai boasts an impressive record, having won two Olympic gold medals, a silver medal, and a Rugby World Cup Sevens title. Additionally, he was honored as the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Decade.
“First gold in Rio (Olympics) with current coach Osea Kolinisau,” Tuwai recalled. “Then 2020 was a blessing with another gold, and being here in Paris 2024 is indeed a blessing.”
Reflecting on their 28-7 loss to France in the Gold Medal final, Tuwai noted that the team had anticipated a tough match, particularly with France playing before their home crowd.
France had been preparing for the Olympic Games by training in Fiji. The team, led by Paulin Riva, trained at the Sigatoka sand dunes and played several friendly matches against the Fiji training squad at Sigatoka’s Lawaqa Park.
Looking forward, Tuwai mentioned that he doesn’t see himself playing in the future, though he is grateful for the opportunity to have represented his country once again on the world stage.
When asked about his future plans, Tuwai said, “I think I’ll go into coaching, maybe help the old man (Osea Kolinisau) in the future.”