The Fiji Times

Tuwai ready for WC

Olympian lays down plan for 7s world cup

- By PAULINI CURUQARA

AFTER receiving his land title, the two times Olympic gold medallist Jerry Tuwai has laid down his aim to play for Fiji in the 2022 Rugby World Cup 7s in South Africa.

Tuwai received his land title from the President Jioji Konrote on Wednesday at Government House.

The presentati­on was in line with the Prime Minister’s announceme­nt on August 6 after the Fiji men’s 7s team won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The gift was in recognitio­n of Tuwai’s leadership and accolades as a two-time Olympic gold medallist, three World Series titles and recognitio­n as the men’s Sevens Player of the Decade.

The Fiji 7s Olympic captain said he was grateful to the Government and the people for the support given to him and his family.

“My family and I are blessed knowing that we have the support of all Fijians locally and internatio­nally,” he said.

“I have been offered contracts but to be given this is much more worthy then gold.

“I am grateful to God for His love and He has been my source of strength in my life and of my family.

“I am also grateful for my family’s support that has been with me through during my rugby career.

“For me my plan is to build a house for my family and we could move in together and also when I retire I have a house and everything to fully support my family especially my children.”

The nippy play-maker said he had received contracts but he was determined to follow his heart and play for his country.

He added that after the World Cup he looks in to coaching but only time will tell.

The Government purchased a residentia­l lot at the Tacirua East Subdivisio­n.

Also present at the presentati­on were Prime Minister and president of the Fiji Rugby Union Voreqe Bainimaram­a, Fiji Rugby Union chairman Conway Begg and Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor.

 ?? Picture: FIJIAN GOVERNMENT FACEBOOK ?? Fiji’s Jerry Tuwai evades a tackle attempt by Australia’s Nick Malouf, in their men’s rugby sevens quarter-final match at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Picture: AP Inset: Jerry Tuwai receives his land title from President Jioji Konrote at the State House in Suva.
Picture: FIJIAN GOVERNMENT FACEBOOK Fiji’s Jerry Tuwai evades a tackle attempt by Australia’s Nick Malouf, in their men’s rugby sevens quarter-final match at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Picture: AP Inset: Jerry Tuwai receives his land title from President Jioji Konrote at the State House in Suva.
 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Fiji