Paris Olympics: Jerry Tuwai back in Fiji fold as Olympic champs target rugby sevens 3-peat
- Coach Osea Kolinisau won as a player in 2016 and hopes ex-teammate can revive their struggling team, while the women welcome back a star
Osea Kolinisau led Fiji to their first-ever Olympic gold medal when rugby sevens made its debut at the Summer Games in 2016 and now, as a coach, he is turning to old teammate Jerry Tuwai to help the Pacific nation’s bid for a three-peat.
Kolinisau, the inspirational Fiji captain at Rio de Janeiro eight years ago, was drafted in to coach the men’s national sevens squad earlier this year when they were struggling in the world series.
He has only recently recalled 35-year-old Tuwai – the two-time Olympic champion, Sevens World Cup winner and world sevens player of the decade – who is now part of Fiji’s contingent in Paris.
“The Olympic Games are a unique event, and our biggest challenge will be adjusting to the rhythm and flow that comes with the international stage, given our limited time together,” Kolinisau said. “I am confident in the talent and experience of our players.”
Fiji Rugby said it was confident Kolinisau’s line-up “with its blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic young talent, will rise to the occasion and make the nation proud”.
Besides Tuwai, also returning for a gold medal shot are Fijian Drua star Iosefo Masi and Fiji’s all-time top try-scorer, Waisea Nacuqu.
