SVNS Series icon Perry Baker retires after decorated 10-year career

An icon of the SVNS Series has officially hung up the boots after a distinguished 10-year playing career. Former two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Perry Baker took to Instagram this week to confirm that the 2023/24 season was his last.

It was reported earlier this year that Baker was likely set to retire after the Paris Games. While Baker hinted at a potential backflip in an interview with RugbyPass to play in either Hong Kong China or Los Angeles, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

The ‘Speedstick’ is widely considered to be one of the greatest to have ever played the sport, and the American’s final season on the HSBC SVNS Series backs that up. At 37 years of age during the campaign, Baker finished third for tries scored despite missing some tournaments.

As part of that successful last dance on the SVNS Series, Baker crossed for a game-changing hat-trick in the USA’s 40-19 win over Germany during the qualifiers at Madrid’s Civitas Metropolitano. Baker was one of the world’s best right up until the 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.

“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, teamwork, and leadership that will live with me forever.

 

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A post shared by Perry Baker, OLY (@pbake11)

“As I step into the 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.”

Among those to comment on Baker’s post include Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban, New Zealand Sevens, The Rugby Guy, Kenya Sevens legend Collins Injera and current Ireland sevens ace Jordan Conroy.

Before moving to rugby, Baker enjoyed a brief stint with NFL powerhouse the Philadelphia Eagles during a training camp. But, after switching sports, the man with rapid pace debuted on the Series in 2014 under coach Mike Friday.

Baker was rewarded for a breakout campaign, with World Rugby recognising the American as a Rookie of the Year nominee after the 2014/15 season. That season, Baker scored the second-most tries overall and led the Eagles Sevens with 48.

Three years later, Baker passed Zack Test to become the USA’s all-time leading try scorer in the first match of the Hamilton Sevens. The No. 11 would later retire with the second-most tries for a men’s player in SVNS Series history.

World Rugby honoured Baker as the world’s best men’s sevens player in both 2017 and 2018 which only added to the legend that the Eagles Sevens ace had become. Away from the Series, Baker went to the Olympics on three occasions – Rio in 2016, Tokyo in 2021 and Paris this year.

As a trailblazer for the growth of the sport in the USA, Baker’s legacy and impact will go down in history for all the right reasons. But Baker isn’t done, with USA Rugby confirming the sevens legend will work as an assistant coach of the men’s side through to the end of the year.