Fiji are pinning their hopes on the return of their influential star Jerry Tuwai to help secure a third consecutive Olympic rugby gold medal after experiencing a challenging period both on and off the field.
The Fijian rugby sevens team, which had previously been a dominant force, has faced difficulties since winning their second Olympic gold medal in Tokyo three years ago.
They have struggled to capture a Sevens World Series title for two seasons, and in March, just four months before the Paris Games, they made the decision to dismiss their head coach, the Englishman Ben Gollings.
Osea Kolinisau, a former Fiji sevens captain who secured Olympic gold as a player under English coach Ben Ryan in Rio 2016, stepped into the role and managed to bring back the dynamic Tuwai.
At 35 years old, Kolinisau’s former teammate and a double gold medalist, Tuwai, had an immediate impact, guiding Fiji to a bronze medal at the World Sevens Series Grand Final in Madrid in June. The revitalised Fijian team came close to defeating eventual champions France in the semi-final.
“Fiji is blessed to have Jerry Tuwai. You can see the leadership he brings,” said Kolinisau. “He is commanding on the field; it is like having a coach playing with the players. I’m thankful Jerry is willing to go to a third Olympics.”
Tuwai, who was named the 2019 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and was a flag bearer at Tokyo 2020, quickly returned to his dazzling form. In Madrid, he dazzled opponents with his signature sidestep, lightning speed, and exceptional handling skills, leading Fiji to victories over South Africa and Ireland while scoring tries in both matches. However, their campaign ended in heartbreak as they narrowly lost 21-14 to France after a late try denied them a spot in the final.
This resurgence was a timely boost for Fiji, who had only reached the podium twice during the 2023/24 season. Their goal now is to hit peak form for the Paris Olympics after a disappointing World Series performance by their usual high standards.
Even at the Hong Kong Sevens in April, a tournament that Fiji considers their “home” event and where they have won a record 19 titles, they fell short, failing to progress beyond the quarterfinals in Kolinisau’s first tournament as head coach.
Rugby Sevens is central to Fijian pride, with the men’s team winning the nation’s only Olympic gold medals. Commemorative $7 banknotes were issued for their Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 victories.
With the Paris Olympics approaching, there’s high hope for a third gold medal. New head coach Osea Kolinisau believes the team is ready for the challenge. The men’s tournament starts on 24 July at the Stade de France, with Fiji in Pool C alongside France, the USA, and Uruguay. The final will be on 27 July.
Fiji’s golden dream: Can Jerry Tuwai lead them to Paris glory?
