Fiji legend Jerry Tuwai raises concerns to new coach ahead of Olympics

Legendary sevens player and two-time Olympic gold medallist Jerry Tuwai has acknowledged he is not yet healthy enough to compete for a spot in Fiji’s sevens team.

Ben Gollings, the recently fired head coach of the Fiji 7s, and Tuwai were considered as a big distraction from one another, with Gollings telling Tuwai he wasn’t ready to be selected for the HSBC SVNS series events. In an attempt to assist Fiji defend its Olympic gold in Paris this summer, the team’s new head coach, Osea Kolinisau, has now acknowledged that he is keeping an eye on his former teammate’s health.

The 34-year-old Tuwai and playmaker Vatemo Ravouvou have returned to the Fiji men’s training group, Kolinisau revealed to the local media. Each of the three competed for Brazil in the Rio Olympic Games and won a gold medal.

“We had an honest conversation, and Jerry knows where he is at,” he remarked. Jerry responded, “Coach, I need a month. I’m not there yet.” I told them to enter the camp, and I would check on their level of fitness. Jerry is now at camp. With his knowledge and experience as the first rugby Olympian to win two gold medals, it’s a good thing to have Jerry around. His presence is beneficial as a mentor and source of guidance for the younger players.Now that he’s at camp, Ravouvou appears healthy and ready to participate in the Marist Sevens. We want to address his constant voice during the game as well as his kicking. Despite the years that we played together, he is not assured a spot.

Four months before the Olympic Games, Kolinisau took over as head coach of the men’s sevens team. Despite this, he is optimistic that the squad will have enough time to defend its gold in Paris, where Fiji has also won gold in Rio and Tokyo.

Six weeks prior to the Paris Games, the SVNS series grand finale will take place in Madrid from May 31 to June 2. Fiji, who is now ranked third in the standings behind Argentina and Ireland, will compete in the renowned Hong Kong Sevens from April 5–7.

“Everything is conceivable as long as we prepare—how I prepare and what the boys bring in,” he continued.

“I’ve talked to a few of the boys who expressed interest in coming, particularly the ones who were from abroad. You only have six weeks, so you may decide whether or not to accept my invitation to camp. I’ve also informed the lads in camp that you have the choice to prove to me that you have what it takes. I think Fiji can pull it off.

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