Jerry Tuwai and coach Ben Gollings issue statement regarding their damaging rift

Double Olympic gold medallist Jerry Tuwai and Fiji sevens men’s head coach Ben Gollings have issued a joint statement insisting they can work together in the build up to Fiji’s defence of their Olympic title in Paris.

This follows a meeting between Tuwai, Gollings, and the Fiji RU Board of Trustees aimed at calming a situation that threatened to overshadow the team’s preparations for the upcoming HSBC SVNS tournaments and the Olympic challenge.

“I want to make it clear that Ben and I have always had a great understanding and respect for each other. We’ve shared memorable moments in the rugby world, and any speculation suggesting otherwise is unfounded,” Tuwai was quoted in the statement.

“We’re on good terms and I have the utmost respect for Ben Gollings as the head coach for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team. I am enjoying my time sharing my technical expertise with the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team and take pride in assisting the girls and coach Saiasi Fuli with their 2024 season.”

Gollings said in the statement; “I will always standby what I’ve always thought of Jerry, a world-class player and I respect him fully for that and there are no issues between us.

"We will always respect him, and we will always support him in his endeavours of what happens in life after rugby.”

The issues started when Gollings said the World Rugby 2020 Player of the Decade must prove he is good enough by participating in local tournaments. Tuwai responded by questioning Gollings’ ability to handle the job.

The FRU says the joint statement aims to clear up any misunderstandings and emphasises the positive relationship that exists between these two and both parties agree that there is a need to fostering positive relations and unity within the rugby community and hope that their clarification will put an end to any speculation regarding their relationship.