The Fiji men’s rugby sevens team has been challenged to give their all in next weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

The call was made by two-time Olympic Games gold medallist and former national rugby sevens halfback and captain, Jerry Tuwai.

Tuwai was playing for Barbarian Brothers at the Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva yesterday.

Speaking to SUNsports, Tuwai said it is an honour for the players to be selected to play in a tournament like Hong Kong Sevens.

He highlighted that when it is the Hong Kong Sevens weekend, everything in our country is left aside as people are glued to their television sets to watch the games.

Tuwai is the only Fiji player to win the Hong Kong Sevens title, five years-in-a-row.

“When you are selected to represent Fiji, you are chosen for the job,” he said as the Osea Kolinisau coached side leaves for Hong Kong this morning.

“Give it your all and play well for your country. The players will have to play to the best of their ability and stick to the gameplan.”

The last time Fiji won the Hong Kong 7s title was in 2019.

Tuwai, who was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2019, believes the team can win the prestigious Hong Kong title and put an end to the winless drought.

“We can win it; it always begins in the mind.

“Oscar (Osea Kolinisau) has named his team and we all believe in his selection. It is up to the players to go and get the job done,” Tuwai added.

Fiji will be chasing their 20th Hong Kong title win and is in Pool A with series leaders Argentina, Ireland and USA.

“To our supporters, winning in Hong Kong is like winning the World Cup. Everyone is crazy

about it and the boys have the opportunity to win it again,” he said. Bigger, more competitive

Meanwhile, Tuwai said the Marist Sevens tournament is bigger and more competitive compared to last year.

“It keeps on improving every year. There are more teams coming up and more competition in place, which is really good,” he said.

Tuwai acknowledged the participation of new clubs in this year’s tournament.

“It’s always positive to see new players in the mix. There is immense talent in Fiji and this tournament is great by exposing them,” Tuwai added.

He said the onus is on the coaches and teams to breed their players well to compete for the national jumper.

“Each and everyone’s aim is to one day wear the white jersey. It is a good tussle every time for selectors,” he added.

Feedback: josua.buredua@fijisun.com.fj