“We are ready, both physically and mentally. It’s about fine-tuning a few aspects of our game, including the mental side.
(From left-right) Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board interim chairman, Peter Mazey, Fiji Airways men’s sevens coach Ben Gollings and Double Olympian medallist Jerry Tuwai.
Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board interim chairman, Peter Mazey confirmed yesterday that he has contacted Fiji Airways men’s sevens coach Ben Gollings regarding double Olympian Jerry Tuwai’s issue.
When contacted yesterday Mazey said: “I will discuss with Ben (Gollings) and I will respond fully tomorrow (today).”
Tuwai had marched out of camp last year after Gollings told him to get back to provincial sevens to be part of the national sevens squad preparing for the July Paris Olympics.
Gollings then told journalists last Friday that Tuwai was not in the 2024 Olympics squad.
When contacted on Sunday Tuwai said: “I have played for many international sevens tournaments. For nearly 20 years I have won not only international tournaments but also awards and trophies. Why should I go and start again from provincial level?
“I have played under great leaders and I had the honour in leading our warriors into battle. I don’t like doing a lot of talking but I have to defend my honour. I am still happy, I am still cheering. I still have Fiji in my heart. Go Fiji Go. The thing I am trying to say is that I am out of the programme because something I did that will benefit the team.”
Meanwhile in a Fiji Rugby release Gollings yesterday confirmed that the national sevens squad will be taking part in two upcoming sevens tournaments as part of their preparations for the HSBC SVNS Perth on January 26-28.
The Fiji Babas side will be in Levuka tomorrow for the three-day Yalovata Lomaiviti sevens at Nasau Park, Ovalau and also feature in the McDonald’s Coral Coast sevens at Lawaka Park, Sigatoka the following week, January 18-20.
“Our goal is clear – to build on what went well in the previous tournaments and translate that success into a formidable performance at the Perth 7s,” Gollings said.
Reflecting on the previous season, Gollings acknowledged the team for achieving a significant milestone by securing qualification for the 2024 Olympics.
(From left-right) Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board interim chairman, Peter Mazey, Fiji Airways men’s sevens coach Ben Gollings and Double Olympian medallist Jerry Tuwai.
Fiji won the inaugural Olympics gold in 2016 after humbling Great Britain 43-7 in the final and again at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when they beat then world champions New Zealand 27-12.
Noting the competitiveness of the World 7s series, Gollings noted the shifting landscape, with even traditional powerhouses like New Zealand facing challenges.
“Argentina’s stellar performance has set a new standard, one that we aim to surpass.
“We are ready, both physically and mentally. It’s about fine-tuning a few aspects of our game, including the mental side.
“Once we put ourselves in a good position, our aim is to finish off games.”
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