Tuwai back in Fiji's fold as the Olympic champions target a rugby sevens three-peat in Paris

Two-time Olympic champion Jerry Tuwai has been recalled by Fiji coach and former captain Osea Kolinisau in the Pacific island nation's bid for a rugby sevens three-peat in Paris

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Osea Kolinisau led Fiji to its first ever Olympic gold medal when rugby sevens made its debut at the Summer Games in 2016 and now, as a coach, he’s turning to old teammate Jerry Tuwai to help the Pacific nation’s bid for a three-peat. Kolinisau, the inspirational Fiji captain at Rio de Janeiro eight years ago, was drafted in to coach the men’s national sevens squad earlier this year when it was struggling in the world series. He has only recently recalled 35-year-old Tuwai — the two-time Olympic champion, Sevens World Cup winner and world sevens player of the decade — who in now part of Fiji's contingent in Paris.

“The Olympic Games are a unique event, and our biggest challenge will be adjusting to the rhythm and flow that comes with the international stage, given our limited time together,” Kolinisau said. “I am confident in the talent and experience of our players.” Fiji Rugby said it was confident Kolinisau's lineup “with its blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic young talent, will rise to the occasion and make the nation proud.



” The men's rugby sevens tournament kicks off July 24 — two days before the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics — and Fiji is in Pool C with host and world series final champion France, the U.S. and Uruguay.

The women's tournament runs July 28-30, with Tokyo bronze medalist Fiji in Pool A with defending champion New Zealand, Canada and China. The women's team was confirmed early Thursday, with Sesenieli Donu recovering.