Tuwai named Sevens Player of the Decade
Fijian 7s star Jerry Tuwai has achieved another milestone after receiving World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Decade during an awards function this morning.
Tuwai was nominated alongside former team mate Samisoni Viriviri, 2017/2018 Player of the Year Perry Baker of USA, Samoa’s Mikaele Pesamino, Cecil Afrika, Seabelo Senatla and Werner Kok of South Africa plus Tomasi Cama and Tim Mikkelson of New Zealand.
Fiji Rugby Chief Executive John O’Connor congratulated Jerry Tuwai for another huge achievement.
O’Connor said “He has again done Fiji, all Fijians, all supporters and Fiji Rugby proud.”
He thanked fans in Fiji and worldwide for casting their votes for Tuwai.
“Tuwai has done so much for 7s rugby globally, Fiji and for Fiji Rugby and he deserves this special award.
Congratulations Jerry for another milestone award. Thank you for always putting your body on the line for Fiji, Fiji Rugby and for your family” he added.
The Fiji Rugby CEO also thanked members of the 7s team who played along Tuwai allowing him to do his magic on the field.
He thanked the President of Fiji Rugby and the Government for their continuous support for the Men’s and Women’s 7s team and also to all the valued sponsors of Fiji Rugby.
Jerry Tuwai made his debut for Fiji in 2013 and since then has won 3 World Rugby Sevens Series title, 5 Hong Kong 7s trophies and was named 2019 World Rugby Sevens Player of the year.
Tuwai said “I’m really speechless and happy plus I have a lots of respect for the nominees like Senatla and Mikkelson as those two players have played for a while in rugby.
To all the other nominees like Tomasi Cama, Perry Baker, Cecil Afrika, Werner Kok, Mikaele Pesamino and Viriviri, I respect, adore and love them as a rugby player.”
“I’m so excited to receive this award on behalf of them, Fiji, my family and the fans who voted for me” said Tuwai.
Fijian 7s Coach Gareth Baber also congratulated Tuwai and said they are fortunate to have a player like him in the 7s team.
Baber said “It’s Jerry testament to work he has done for those 7s years.
He always been there from his debut until now having won Olympic Gold Medal, World Rugby Sevens Series titles, World Rugby Sevens Player award and now getting this is huge.”
He added “For the game itself it’s great to see Jerry entertaining everyone around the world.
He has been the way he conducts himself on and off the field.”
“It’s great for Fiji Rugby as well to show one of their own son’s is ranked amongst the best in the World” said Baber.