Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has praised Fijian 7s star, Seremaia ‘Jerry’ Tuwai who was voted by fans worldwide as World Rugby’s 7s player of the decade yesterday.

The Buca, Natewa, Cakaudrove, native,  was nominated along with nine other rugby greats including fellow Fijian Samisoni Viriviri, Tomasi Cama, Cecil Afrika  and Samoan icon Mikaele Pesamino.

He also beat two-time World Rugby men’s sevens player of the year, United States’ Perry Baker.

The PM and president of the Fiji Rugby Union told SUNsports outside Parliament yesterday:“It is very exciting for the people of Fiji, that we have had Jerry Tuwai as the player of the decade. Especially being selected from a pool of top players. He has done well for Fiji and rugby as a whole.

“He has brought a lot of excitement to the homes of people of Fiji because of his talent.”

Nawaikula Hails Tuwai

Opposition Member of Parliament, Niko Nawaikula, also congratulated Tuwai on his milestone achievement in Parliament yesterday.

Hailing from the same village, Nawaikula said: “I wish to firstly congratulate a fellow villager, and a fellow member of the vanua of Natewa.

“Jerry Tuwai is currently the sevens player of the year and being confirmed today as the World Rugby men’s sevens player of the decade.”

Nawaikula indicated that Tuwai followed in the footsteps of former national reps from Natewa like Savenaca Siwatibau, Josefa Rauto and the late Dr. Ratuva.

“This person individual manifests humility, obedience and simplicity. Those are the traits that a lot of youths can look up to.

“So congratulations Jerry.”

Baber ‘Huge Honour’

And Fijian7s coach, Gareth Barber hopes that Tuwai will continue his top form.

“I think it is a huge honour for Tuwai and his family, particularly probably, Fiji as a whole,” he said.

“He’s been to some very good place over the last 10 years.

“Jerry has maintained the quality in his performances, the way he goes about his business and his work as a professional local rugby player, certainly over the last six or seven years.

“To not only get a few wins of the World Rugby Sevens Series but Olympic gold, and being nominated several times as World Rugby 7s player of the year.

“I think that’s the testimony to the work he has put in, the way he has developed from a young man to a senior pro and he continues to show the behaviour and attitude to share with others.

“He is a great example for younger players or any young men or women that want to develop themselves as a professional rugby player.

“He played some very good rugby. He has matured as a rugby player, as happens with any individual who goes on for a number of years, you use those to control the games around you. That is exactly what he is doing.

“He is giving his experience to some young men around him and keeping people to the standard required of the white jersey because he knows it.

“He is one of the few here who knows how to win the Olympics and it is phenomenal to see him still doing it now here in Fiji.

“And I hope to see him continue doing it when we are back for international rugby in the new season.”

Feedback:  sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj