Perry Baker, a two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, has announced his retirement after a decade representing the USA, which included participation in three Olympic Games. On social media, Baker revealed that the 2023/24 SVNS season will be his final one.
Throughout his career, Baker has made an impressive mark on the sport, scoring 293 tries in the sevens series. Following his announcement, tributes poured in from various figures, including Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, as well as rivals and organizations within the rugby community, highlighting the respect he garnered around the world.
Despite retiring as a player, Baker will remain active in the rugby scene as he takes on a role as an assistant coach with the USA men’s sevens team until the end of the year. In his farewell message, he expressed gratitude for the journey he experienced over the past decade, stating, “It’s been an honor and a privilege to wear the jersey and represent my country on the world stage.”
Baker reflected on his time in rugby, emphasizing the importance of the sport as a family and the life lessons it imparted, including resilience, teamwork, and leadership. He shared his excitement for the future and his commitment to giving back to the sport that has shaped his life.
Baker started playing rugby as a teenager in Florida, having transitioned to the sport after a brief training stint with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. At 28, he joined the national sevens team in 2014, quickly making an impact and earning a nomination for Rookie of the Year during his debut season. Over the years, he formed a dynamic partnership with fellow player Carlin Isles, and he distinguished himself further by winning the Men’s World Sevens Player of the Year award in 2017 and 2018. Baker participated in every Olympic competition featuring Rugby Sevens, including the tournaments in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and the upcoming Paris 2024.