JERRY TUWAI RETURNS TO FIJI AIRWAYS FIJIAN 7S AS ASSISTANT COACH

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is pleased to announce the appointment of legendary former captain Jerry Tuwai as the new Assistant Coach for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team.

The position was advertised early in January this year, and an overwhelming response was received locally and from interested individuals from abroad. Following a rigorous selection process, Tuwai emerged as the standout candidate, bringing with him a wealth of experience, tactical acumen, and a strong understanding of the Fijian 7s DNA.

Tuwai, widely regarded as one of the greatest sevens players of all time, will join forces with current Head Coach Osea Kolinisau, who famously led Fiji to its first-ever Olympic Gold medal at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. Together, the two Olympic champions will spearhead the next chapter of Fiji’s journey to perform and grow on the world sevens circuit with a the ultimate goal of winning the next Olympic Gold medal in July 2028 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Jerry Tuwai made his debut for the Fiji 7s team at the 2014 Gold Coast Sevens. From those early steps on the world stage, he would go on to carve out a career that has inspired a generation of Fijian rugby players.

He was an integral part of the Fiji Sevens team that won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, inspiring young Fijians all over the world that success can be achieved with talent that is fueled by commitment, hard work, discipline and performing your role as best you can to contribute to team performance. 

Four years later, he repeated the feat at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making him the only rugby player globally to claim back-to-back Olympic gold medals.

In 2019, Tuwai was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, a testament to his exceptional skill, leadership, and consistency at the highest level of the game.

Speaking on his appointment, Tuwai expressed his gratitude and excitement at returning to the program that he helped build into a global powerhouse.

“It is an absolute honor to be given this opportunity to serve my country once again, this time from the sidelines,” said Tuwai.

“I have given everything I have on the field for Fiji, and I promise to give the same commitment, passion, and dedication to developing our players as Assistant Coach. Working alongside Osea Kolinisau, a brother and a champion I have shared so many special moments with, is something I am truly looking forward to.”

“Our players have the potential to be the best in the world, but talent alone is not enough. We must teach them discipline, resilience, and the values that make Fijian rugby special. I am ready to pour my knowledge and experience into this team, and I cannot wait to get to work,” added Tuiwai.

Mr. Naca Cawanibuka, the General Manager for High Performance at the Fiji Rugby Union, welcomed Tuwai’s appointment as a strategic move for the future of Fijian sevens.

“Jerry Tuwai is not just a great player; he is a great leader, a student of the game, and a role model for every young rugby player in Fiji,” said Cawanibuka.

“The response to the advertisement for this position was overwhelming, both locally and internationally, which speaks to the respect and reputation of the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s program. However, Jerry stood out because of his unique understanding of our system, his ability to connect with players, and his relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Tuwai’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team. With Kolinisau’s tactical sharpness and Tuwai’s unmatched experience in world rugby, the team is poised to build upon its rich legacy while embracing innovation and development.