Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s captain Jerry Tuwai will have more to play for at the Rugby World Cup 7s, as his mum, dad and wife will be cheering for him in the stands at the AT&T Park in San Francisco.
Tuwai’s mum Seruwaia Vualiku revealed this to Fijivillage in an interview today.
Vualiku says that this is a dream come true for her and her husband and Tuwai’s wife to support and cheer for Tuwai from the very place that he is representing our country.
She says that they will be leaving for San Francisco on Thursday.
Vualiku says they no longer have to take their TV out to their roundabout in Newtown where they live to watch every 7s game that Jerry plays in.
Meanwhile, Tuwai’s dad, Poasa Vunisa says that they hope to return home with Jerry together with the World Cup.
Vunisa says that they are proud parents of the player that is leading our nation’s team to the biggest 7s event in the world.
He also recalls how his family struggled to make ends meet for their family.
Since Jerry joined the Fiji 7s team in 2013, he has provided electricity, water and other basic needs to their family.
Vunisa said that he never misses Tuwai’s games and always finds a way to watch him play around Fiji even if he had no money.
He had earlier shared with Fijivillage how he slept on the streets in Nadi Town to make sure he farewelled Jerry who was part of the Davetalevu 7s side which won the World Club Sevens in Ireland in 2014.
Vunisa said on that day he was only supposed to drop Tuwai at the minibus stand in Suva as he did not have enough money to reach Nadi. Two hours later, Vunisa managed to find some cash which took him as far as Sigatoka.
He said after reaching Sigatoka, he met a family friend who gave him $50 which helped him reach Nadi to farewell his son.
Jerry Tuwai comes from Buca, Cakaudrove, with maternal links to Nailaga, Ba.
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