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Olympic hero says he was preparing to walk away from Fiji's gold medal defence

Fiji Sevens' Jerry Tuwai

Captain Jerry Tuwai has revealed he was ready to walk out on Fiji’s defence of their Olympic Games gold medal in Japan as the impact of six months away from their families during the COVID-19 lockdown hit the players.

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Tuwai told Fiji Village he had his bags packed and was about to turn his back on the gold medal defence in Tokyo and he only stayed when he realised that as the most experienced player the rest of the squad looked up to him.

Head coach Gareth Baber, it has transpired, had to give his players a stark choice: stay in camp or give up the chance the play at the Olympics where Fiji successfully defended the gold medal they won in Rio in 2016.

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      Warren Gatland speaks about what must change on B&I Lions tour and what is in his future

      Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Conner has confirmed the players, who are now back in Fiji, are about to end their self imposed isolation saying: “The players will come out of their quarantine this week and will be reunited with their families after being away from them for six months.”

      After an extended period in camp in Fiji, the squad travelled to Australia for a tournament which saw them having to endure quarantine before they flew to Japan – via Fiji- where they boarded a transport plane that was also carrying frozen fish.

      Tuwai said being away from home was difficult for everyone and not just the ones who are married and the only reason he stayed was because of the younger players in the team. The world’s No1 seven player admitted when they first went into camp in April, the squad had no idea that they would be away from their families for so long.

      Tuwai said: “That week we came into camp knowing we will be going home on the Friday but on the Wednesday or Thursday the coach told us that we will not be going back to our homes until the Olympics is over. He gave us an option: if any one of us wants to go home and can’t take the journey with us they have the option to leave.

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      “I was outside and had already packed my bags and was about to leave the camp but I feel for my brothers because they are young boys with a lot of things to look forward to and a big future. I saw them and ( I thought) if I walk out now I am the most experienced player in the team and they look up to me.”

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      R
      RedWarrior 4 hours ago
      The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

      So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

      Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

      Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

      1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

      2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

      3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

      4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


      One last thing missing from English analysis

      How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


      Food for thought old boy!!!!

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