Analysis: Why Tuwai Is Leaving 7s
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s star Seremaia Tuwai has made a timely move to switch to 15s for his sake and his family.
A great servant of the game, Tuwai awaits clearance from the Fiji Rugby Union for his stint with a club most likely in the USA.
Tuwai was whisked away from the media glare when the team arrived on Wednesday at Nadi International Airport hoping everything would be under wraps until the FRU makes a statement.
Apart from the fame and status, he gets limited returns from rugby’s short code since making his debut at the Gold Coast Sevens, in 2014.
Four years on the trot, the man affectionately known as Jerry, has continued to be the 7s darling for rugby fans.
But it’s only ideal and proper, like Blitzboks Rosco Specmaan (joining Bulls in 2019), that he made the Cape Town Sevens his swansong.
There is always an end point to a journey and after scoring his 100th try and helping Fiji win the South Africa title after 13 years, it’s fitting that Tuwai takes the opportunity because 15s rugby is where the money is.
South African 7s stars like Seabelo Senatla (Stormers) and Kwagga Smith (Lions) seized the opportunity and are now added firepower for their Super Rugby teams.
Even speedster Ruhan Nel played for the Springboks during the November internationals. This is the way forward for sevens rugby players.
Although in their hearts they want to play sevens forever, they need to venture out and share rugby dollars the 15s game offers.
They need to be involved in a new environment and a foreign culture for a while to get them refreshed.
Two years later, Tuwai is following the footsteps of his teammates who won the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games many of whom are now making a living playing rugby overseas. Like Semi Kunatani (UK), Savenaca Rawaca (France), Osea Kolinisau (USA), Viliame Mata (Scotland), Jasa Veremalua (USA), Josua Tuisova and Leone Nakarawa (France).
The 29-year-old will always be a special person in the eyes of rugby fans. But there is life after rugby.
And his move to try out 15s is a bold and a wise move for him and his family.
Edited by Naisa Koroi
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