Fiji Airways Fijian 7s captain Seremaia Tuwai says he is made for sevens and that is why he turned down two overseas contracts.

And he admitted yesterday that his strong religious upbringing is what that keeps him going both as a player and a leader.

He applauds his parents for going the extra yards to provide for him despite the limited resources they have.

Tuwai made the revelations at the Uprising Beach Resort, Pacific Harbour where the team are preparing for the final leg of the 2017-18 World Sevens Series in London-Paris next month.

Motivated by the Bible verse 1 John 4:8, which states “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love”, Tuwai said this is something that he tries to instil in the players.

Tuwai added despite turning down two overseas contracts, he never once regretted his decision.

““I turned down two overseas contracts because of the 2016 Rio Olympics. But I never regretted that because of my passion for sevens rugby,” Tuwai said.

“I come from a background that does not have much.

Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rep Isake Katonibau with ball on May 10, 2018.
Photo: Ronald Kumar

“Some will say that I am poor but for me, what my parents have provided for me is more than enough.

“My upbringing has always been about love, 1 John 4:8 (which are written on his boots) and I share the same verse with players to love and trust each other during the games.

“Right now we trust Coach Gareth Baber.  If he decides to choose a player he thinks is better, we know that it will be good for the team.”

“We are a very religious team and there is no X-Factor in the team anymore, everyone performs as a team,” Tuwai added.

“Playing at high risk is normal for the team, there is no pressure for us and we just need to trust each other and trust the system and go with it.”

The London 7s is on June 2-3 and the Paris 7s in on June 9-10.

Edited by Osea Bola

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