The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is fully prepared to assist Jerry Tuwai, the rugby sevens star and Olympian, as he embarks on his coaching career. Tuwai, after achieving a silver medal with the Fiji 7s team at this year’s Olympic Games, declared his intention to transition into coaching as he steps away from playing.
While this marks the conclusion of a significant era for one of Fiji’s standout sevens players, it also opens a new chapter in a field where few Fijians have thrived. FRU interim chair Peter Mazey stated the organization is committed to providing Tuwai with the necessary training for his coaching aspirations.
“Jerry wants to go into coaching. We respect that, especially as he approaches the end of his playing career. He is a unique individual and has much to contribute to coaching and rugby,” Mazey remarked. He emphasized that although Tuwai is not formally trained as a coach yet, there are various levels of coaching education that he will need to navigate.
Mazey conveyed the positive feedback received in the post-Olympic reviews about Tuwai’s influence as a mentor for the Fiji 7s team, noting the team’s remarkable turnaround after a series of losses leading up to their silver medal achievement.
“We are going to collaborate with Jerry because he possesses significant knowledge. The review revealed the considerable impact he had by mentoring the team. After 22 tournament losses, he came in, connected with the players, and guided them towards their goals, culminating in a silver medal, which is fantastic,” he added.
The FRU is also placing significant emphasis on developing local coaching talent and is working to implement strategies for sending coaches abroad for further training. “We have come to understand that investing in our coaches is vital, and we are striving to finalize our plans to send coaches overseas to learn from other head coaches. This area requires extensive development, and we need to empower our Fijians,” Mazey concluded.
Currently, Tuwai is taking time off to enjoy moments with his family, while Fiji 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau has voiced his encouragement for Tuwai to pursue his coaching ambitions seriously.