JESSE PARAHI AND TOM CONNOR LOCKED IN UNTIL TOKYO 2020

Jul 9 • General News, Sevens Rugby • 1743 Views • Comments Off on JESSE PARAHI AND TOM CONNOR LOCKED IN UNTIL TOKYO 2020

The Qantas Australian Sevens squad has been bolstered with another two re-signings with veteran Jesse Parahi and rising star Tom Connor both committing to the program until the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Parahi’s signature continues his commitment to the Australian Sevens program, after making his debut eight years ago in London. The 29-year old stood in as captain at the 2018 Commonwealth Games after a hamstring injury ruled skipper Lewis Holland out of the tournament.

Tom Connor has established himself as a regular in Tim Walsh’s side after making his debut at the HSBC Sydney 7s in 2018 where Australia won the gold medal. Since then, the 25-year old has only missed one tournament after injury ruled him out of the Paris Sevens last month.

Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens Head Coach, Tim Walsh said: “To retain the commitment of Jesse is a big piece of the puzzle for the next two years. Jesse’s experience and points of difference form the foundations for consistent podium finishers for the ensuing seasons.

“A leader and elder statesman of the squad ‘The Bull’s’ resilience and commitment to the program grows year on year.

“A business and family man off the field, the Parahi’s encompass the ‘family’ program culture and deliver the strong characters and maturity it requires.

“Tom is the man you want in your squad and when the going gets tough you would want Tom by your side.

“A relentless hard worker, professional, always team first and ruthless over the ball. Tom’s hard work, resilience and dedication screams out the cliché “the secret to success is hard work” and once more he enjoys it,” Walsh said.

Jesse Parahi
DOB: 29/05/1989
Club: Norths (Sydney)
Australian Sevens debut: London 2010
Australian Sevens caps: 44
Australian Sevens points: 155 (31T)

Tom Connor
DOB: 19/07/1992
Club: Warringah
Australian Sevens Debut: Sydney, Australia 2018
Australian Sevens caps: 7
Australian Sevens points: 15 (3T)