The illustrious rugby career of Fiji men’s rugby sevens captain Jerry Tuwai has come to an end.
The 35-year-old officially announced his retirement yesterday, just hours after leading the Fiji team to win the silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games at the Stade de France.
Tuwai has an impressive record, with two Olympic gold medals, a silver medal, and a Rugby World Cup Sevens title. He was also named the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Decade.
“First gold in Rio with the now coach Osea Kolinisau,” he recalled. “Then 2020 was a blessing with another gold and to be here in Paris 2024 is a blessing indeed.”
Reflecting on their 28-7 loss to France in the Gold Medal final, Tuwai noted that they expected a tough match, especially with France playing in front of their home crowd.
France had been training in Fiji to prepare for the Olympic Games, with Paulin Riva’s team taking to the Sigatoka sand dunes and playing several friendly matches against Fiji’s training squad at Sigatoka’s Lawaqa Park.
Looking ahead, Tuwai said he doesn’t see himself playing in the future but is grateful for the opportunity to have represented his country on the world stage once again.
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.”