Gareth Baber, the consultant national program manager for 7s rugby, has revealed that the captain for the national 7s men’s team has not yet been chosen. However, he hinted that experienced player Jerry Tuwai might be appointed to the role.
The team left for France to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Baber acknowledges Tuwai’s strong leadership within the group and his inclusion in the 15-member squad. He further recognized Tuwai’s capability to inspire himself, as well as his teammates.
Even so, Baber emphasized the importance of multiple leaders within the team, not just one captain. The team will use their two-week stay in France before the games to identify individuals demonstrating leadership qualities. The decision on captaincy, he said, will be made by Osea Kolinisau and Setefano Cakau, who will decide who should lead the team on the field.
Lastly, Baber added that there are no plans for any scrimmaging sessions currently. Instead, the focus will be to ensure the quality of their training, as injuries are a common occurrence in 7s. They have therefore included 15 players in the squad for the same purpose.