Perry Baker, a two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, has announced his retirement from professional rugby after a decade representing the USA, which included three Olympic appearances. The 36-year-old revealed on social media on October 14 that the 2023/24 SVNS season will be his last.
Baker holds an impressive record of 293 tries in the sevens series, earning him respect and admiration from fans, peers, and sports figures worldwide, including Dallas Mavericks NBA team owner Mark Cuban. Even after retiring as a player, Baker plans to remain involved in the sport as he takes on a role as an assistant coach with the USA men’s sevens team for the remainder of the year.
In his retirement statement, Baker shared his gratitude for the decade he spent representing the USA Men’s 7s program. He expressed pride in wearing the national jersey and the unforgettable experiences and friendships he gained through rugby. He acknowledged the sport’s significance in teaching him valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and leadership that he will carry into the next chapter of his life.
Baker began his rugby journey as a teenager in Florida and was considered a latecomer to the international scene. After a brief stint with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, he returned to rugby, joining the national sevens team for training in 2014 at the age of 28. Under coach Mike Friday, he made his debut that same season, earning a nomination for Rookie of the Year. Over the next ten years, he formed a powerful partnership with fellow player Carlin Isles.
Baker’s accomplishments include winning the Men’s World Sevens Player of the Year award in both 2017 and 2018, and he participated in every Olympics featuring Rugby Sevens, including those held in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 (which took place in 2021), and the upcoming Paris 2024.