TWO-time Olympics gold medallist Jerry Tuwai is making his return to the HSBC SVNS Series after he was named for the Madrid squad by Fiji Airways Fiji 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau.
Tuwai last played in the series during the London 7s in May 2023.
Kolinisau had set a compulsory fitness goal for Tuwai and other senior players to reach if they wished to be part of his team.
The head coach has also named Waisea Nacuqu and Tira Welagi in his squad.
Suva rugby fullback Sakiusa Siqila is set for a world series debut.
The Madrid 7s tournament at the end of the month serves as the final test for Fiji 7s before the Olympic Games in July.
“Our goal when we go to tournaments is to win, so I told the boys we want to win in Madrid because it’s the last tournament before the Olympics,” Kolinisau said.
It’s more than just about getting a title in the bag but winning will put them in the right mental space for Olympics.
“If we win that we will get the mental edge towards the Olympics. That’s the focus right now. I told the boys that we need to go and work hard, and to win this because if we do so we get the mental edge over the eight possible quarter-finalists come Olympics,” Kolinisau added.
The Madrid 7s tournament will be held on May 31 to June 2.
Team: Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jerry Matana, Viliame Nakausa, Suliano Volivoli, Tira Welagi, Terio Tamani, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Ilikimi Torosi, Joji Nasova, Ponipate Loganimasi, Iowane Teba, Sakiusa Siqila, Vuiviawa Naduvalo.
