Tuwai, Folau Exchange Vows

Two time Olympic gold med­allist, Seremaia (Jerry) Tu­wai thought that standing at the Olympic podium was his most nervous moment but it wasn’t until he walked down the aisle yesterday.

Tuwai, 32, wedded Mereani Folau, the mother of their three children, at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.

The couple started dating in 2013.

Their wedding was attended by more than 400 family members, friends and colleagues.

“We have been together for years; three children and now I know it’s the right time to give her the proper traditional wedding that a woman deserves,” Tuwai said.

“I would like to thank God for the opportunity; I have never been so nervous in my life walking down the aisle.

Seremaia Tuwai is congratulated by his father Poasa Vunisa inside the FMF Gymnassium on December 3, 2021. Photo: Leon Lord

“I thought that standing at the Olympic podium or inside the Hong Kong sevens tunnel was nerve wracking, but this one is different – it is more than that.

“I’m thankful to all my relatives, friends and everyone that came to support us on our special day.”

Tuwai yesterday confirmed that he will return to the national side when the side marches into camp for the next leg of the HSBC Series.

“For now, I’m planning to play again. I will join the squad maybe next week or week after.

“To the people, believe in these boys, they did well last week, we should give them all our support for them; pray and cheer for them.

“To the boys there is nothing new, where ever you go; it’s still rugby so play as a team.”

His wife Folau, 27, is the young­est of three siblings. She hails from Makadru, Matuku in Lau and shares maternal links to Nabukeru, Yasawa.

She said: “I thank God for this day and His plans for us, we have been planning for a while and kept post­poning it. Today, I am really proud and honoured to be Jerry’s wife,” she said.

“The first time he left to play for Fiji, it was hard for me and then I got used to it.

“He is a kind hearted man, loving and caring; he’s always by my side. I thank his parents for raising him and allowing me be part of their family.”

Folau’s father, Talala Tupou, was emotional to witness his youngest child walk down the aisle.

“She is the first of the three chil­dren to be married and I can only thank God,” Tupou said.

“She was a member of the nation­al netball squad; but while working towards that, I did not know that she was caught by the Buca man.

“I had plans for her but God’s pur­pose always prevails.

“This is indeed a blessing, I prayed for this day to happen. They had been together for years and I’m glad that they had their holy matrimony today.”