‘One of the best’: Fans and SVNS stars react to Perry Baker’s retirement

Rugby sevens fans and icons have taken to social media to celebrate Perry Baker’s distinguished 10-year career. The man known worldwide as the ‘Speedstick’ recently announced that the 2023/24 season was his last on the HSBC SVNS Series.

Before pursuing rugby, Baker briefly enjoyed a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles during their pre-season training camp before switching sports. Coach Mike Friday would later select Baker to debut on the then-called World Series in 2014.

Baker was rewarded by World Rugby with a Rookie of the Year nomination following the 2014/15 season. The American has scored the second-most tries out of any player on the Series, and led the Eagles with an incredible 48 five-pointers.

It didn’t take long for Baker to pass Series great Zack Test as the USA’s all-time leading top try scorer, with the speedster breaking that record at the Hamilton Sevens. The No. 11 would end up retiring with the second-most tries for a men’s player in the history of the Series.

World Rugby recognised Baker as the Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018, which just goes to prove how much a trailblazer he was for the sport. Baker is also a three-time Olympian after competing in Rio, the postponed Games in Tokyo, and in Paris this year.

But, all great things must come to an end.

“After an incredible 10 years representing the USA Men’s 7s program, the time has come for me to step away from the game that has shaped so much of my life,” Baker wrote on Instagram.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to wear the jersey and represent my country on the world stage. From the moment I joined the team, I could never have imagined the experiences, the highs and lows, and the lifelong friends rugby would give me.

“Year one of my journey was especially life-changing as I met my amazing wife, and together we built our family. To my wife and family, I couldn’t have done this without your endless support and love. You’ve been my anchor, and I’m grateful for the sacrifices you made so I could pursue my dream.

“To my teammates, coaches, staff, and everyone in USA Rugby, thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and making every moment memorable.

“To the fans, rugby isn’t just a sport, it’s a family and you guys made me feel that everywhere I went. And to rugby itself, thank you for teaching me resilience, teammate, and leadership that will live with me forever.

“As I step into the next chapter, I carry with me all the lessons, memories, and connections this game has given me. I’m excited for what’s to come and how I can continue giving back to this amazing sport.

“Thank you for being part of my journey.”

It was reported earlier this year that Baker was likely set to retire from rugby sevens after the Paris Olympic Games. But, in an interview with RugbyPass at the SVNS Series’ Grand Final in Madrid, Baker hinted at a potential backflip.

“I might keep going,” Baker said, hinting at a potential return for next year’s SVNS Series legs in Hong Kong China or Los Angeles. But for now, it seems that Baker’s decorated rugby sevens career is over, with the 38-year-old going on to score more than 280 tries.

Fans have taken to social media to thank a rugby player many have labelled as a legend. X user Better Future Possibly thanked Baker by saying he was, “One of the best to ever do it. Glad to have seen him play in person.”

In the same comment section under a video of Baker scoring a 100-metre try against Fiji at the 2018 Las Vegas Sevens, @hoop28527 said Baker had, “Changed how Rugby 7s is played and now every team has a speedster. We thoroughly enjoyed watching Perry Baker play.”

“We will miss you, Perry Baker,” @yoda_fr3 wrote. “Tx a lot Perry for everything,” @NicoRugger added in the comments of the video which has almost 19,000 views, more than 500 likes and more than 100 reposts.

Among those to comment on Baker’s Instagram post include Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban who said quite fittingly, “Congrats on a great run!” New Zealand Sevens, The Rugby Guy, Kenya Sevens legend Collins Injera and Ireland’s Jordan Conroy also commented.

Argentina’s Marcos Moneta, who is one of the world’s best sevens players, also wrote, “Congrats amigo! Hell of a career! We will miss you! All the best GOAT!” Former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Rodrigo Isgro, also shared a message.

Former USA Sevens speedster Carlin Isles, Australia’s Henry Hutchison, Argentina’s Gaston Revol, Kenya’s Billy Odhiambo, Spain’s Manu Moreno, coach Mike Friday, and the official pages of the Olympics and SVNS Series also expressed their support.