Tuwai: In God I Trust
Our flagbearers at the Olympic Games opening ceremony have accepted their leadership role
Team Fiji flagbearers at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games, Seremaia ‘Jerry’ Tuwai and Rusila Nagasau are ready to take-up the leadership role.
“I’ve accepted the appointment with all my heart,” Tuwai said from Australia on Monday.
“I’m confident because of the support from the senior boys in the
team. Also, we’ve a good team comprising of very talented boys.”
Tuwai indicated that he would always rely on God for wisdom and guidance.
He is the surviving member of the 2016 team that won the gold medal at the Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.
Head coach Gareth Baber said it has been a long tough journey.
“I would like to thank those who believed in me,” he said.
The Olympics was deferred for a year due to COVID-19 pandemic and Baber had to renew his contract with the Fiji Rugby Union to stay on.
The Fijian men’s side are the defending gold medal champions. They are pooled with Great Britain, Japan and Canada
Team Fiji women’s rugby sevens coach, Saiasi Fuli encouraged players who were dropped from the final squad.
“These girls were committed from the start and made a lot of sacrifices. Unfortunately, due to injuries we had to make the decision of dropping them,” he said.
“At the same time I congratulate the girls who have made the final squad to represent us at the Olympics.”
Nagasau said she’s looking forward to lead the team in Tokyo.
“There’s excitement among the girls and we’re going to give our best,” she added.
The Fijian women’s side take on Canada, France and Brazil.