GIR PLUS values important: Tuwai

Fiji 7s captain and Get into Rugby PLUS ambassador Jerry Tuwai says it is the important core values taught in the program that would make participants better people both on and off the rugby field.

The dual Olympic gold medalist alongside compatriot and Fijiana 7s skipper Rusila Nagasau were appointed ambassadors of the Get into Rugby Plus program at Albert Park today.

“Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Solidarity and Passion are important values that will make us better people,” Tuwai said.

Tuwai reflected on his personal journey, and wrong choices led to an imbalance in his life, but it was rugby and the lessons that it bought with it that have led to where he is today.

“Something helped me along the way and that is rugby, and the same values they uphold are the ones that paved the way to my success.”

Nagasau added that the integrated life skills learnt through the GIR Plus program, also gave her the confidence to find her way in a male-dominated sport.

“It helps everybody especially finding a safe place, a safe community and equality,” Nagasau added.

“The Get into Rugby Plus program helps us in breaking the cultural divides and especially, to achieve our dreams.”

The Get into Rugby Plus program uses rugby’s values of integrity, solidarity, respect, discipline and passion as its foundation.

Get into Rugby PLUS is a plan of action to normalise equality leadership roles in the sport and supports initiatives to build gender equality as well as the prevention of violence against women, girls and boys.

By Noa Biudole