Olympic gold medallist Seremaia Tuwai Vunisa commonly known as ‘Jerry’ expressed humbleness paying respect to the other eight nominees after being voted as the Sevens Player of the Decade at the World Rugby Special Awards.
Tuwai finished ahead of countryman Samisoni Viriviri, Mikaele Pesamino (Samoa), Tomasi Cama (New Zealand), Tim Mikkelson (New Zealand), Cecil Afrika (South Africa), Werner Kok (South Africa), Seabelo Senatla (South Africa) and Perry Baker (United States) in the fans vote which was held from October 15-25.
In a recorded interview during the awards which was hosted virtually across World Rugby’s digital and social platforms because of the global pandemic yesterday, Tuwai said he was really happy but had a lot of respect for the other nominees.
The 31-year-old who made his debut for Fiji at the 2014 Gold Coast 7s acknowledged players such as Afrika and Mikkelson saying those two guys really stood the test of time in rugby.
“To the other nominees like Cama, Baker, Sanatla, Viriviri, Werner Kok and Mikaele I respect them,” Tuwai said.
“I adore them and I love them like rugby players and as human beings.
“I’m really happy to receive this award on behalf of them and Fiji, we are a family and on behalf of everyone who loves playing rugby.”
Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and Jessy Trémoulière from France were named as World Rugby men’s and women’s 15s Players of the Decade.
