Veteran Fijian Sevens Star Jerry Tuwai Fights Back to Earn Recall for Madrid Season Finale
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Jerry Tuwai has proven his doubters wrong, fighting his way back into the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s squad for the HSBC SVNS season finale in Madrid from May 31 to June 2.
Tuwai, 35, has not featured in the Fijian lineup since the London 7s in May 2023, but the experienced playmaker now has a chance to secure a place in the team aiming for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal triumph in Paris this summer.
Tuwai’s inclusion in new head coach Osea Kolinisau’s squad for the Madrid 7s comes after the player responded to the challenge to regain the fitness level required to be part of the squad vying for the HSBC title in the competition’s new format.
“Tuwai’s previous omission from the squad by former head coach Ben Gollings had sparked a social media debate, eventually leading to the Fiji rugby authorities bringing the two together to find a compromise. Gollings was subsequently sacked after failing to deliver the results demanded by the Fiji Rugby Union, paving the way for Kolinisau’s appointment.”
As a former Olympic gold medalist and Tuwai’s teammate, Kolinisau is well aware of the veteran’s exceptional talents and has now given him the opportunity to prove he can still perform at the highest level of Sevens rugby in Madrid.
Joining Tuwai in the Fijian squad are several other familiar faces, including:
- Sevuloni Mocenacagi
- Jerry Matana
- Waisea Nacuqu
- Debutant Sakiusa Siqila
- The returning Tira Weilagi
- Police forward Ilikimi Torosi
Fiji will face off against New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa in their pool matches in Madrid as they seek to secure the HSBC Sevens World Series title in the season’s finale.
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