USA: Perry Baker announces his retirement ‘after an incredible 10 years’: Planet Rugby

After a 10-year stint as a player for the US Sevens team, legendary flyer and two-time World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year Perry Baker has announced his retirement from the shortened version of the game.

His illustrious career began in American football, and he only switched to rugby union after a training camp with NFL team the Philadelphia Eagles.

Baker will venture into the next chapter of his life as he begins his career off the field as an assistant coach through the end of the year with the U.S. Men’s Sevens team.

The 38-year-old is widely recognized as the best US Sevens player and made his World Rugby Sevens Series debut under former US coach Mike Friday in 2014.

Impressive start to Sevens career

He made an immediate impact on the Sevens circuit and his excellent form earned him a place on the World Rugby Rookie of the Year list following the 2014/15 series.

Baker was the USA Eagles’ leading scorer (48) during the 2015-16 campaign and finished second in that category in the series. His outstanding performances for his country saw him crowned World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year for the first time in 2017.

During the 2017/18 season, Baker passed the Zack Test to become the USA’s all-time leading scorer at the 2018 Hamilton Sevens tournament. Baker secured this milestone in just three years with the team.

In 2018, he was named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year for the second year running. Baker currently leads the US Men’s Sevens team in tries scored and is second on the HSBC SVNS Series all-time list.

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He has also represented his country at three Olympic Games, after Rio de Janeiro 2016, with appearances in Tokyo in 2021 and in Paris earlier this year.

“After 10 incredible years representing the USA Men’s 7s program, the time has come to step away from the game that has shaped so much of my life,” Baker said upon retiring.

“It was an honor and a privilege to wear the shirt and represent my country on the world stage. From the moment I joined the team, I could never have imagined the experiences, the ups and downs and the lasting friendships that rugby would provide me with.

“The first year of my journey was especially transformative, as I met my incredible wife and together we built our family. To my wife and family, I could not have achieved this without your endless support and love. You have been my anchor and I am grateful for the sacrifices you made so I could pursue my dream.”

‘Thank you for believing in me’

He added: “To my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone at USA Rugby, thank you for believing in me, encouraging me and making every moment memorable.

“For the fans, rugby is not just a sport, it is a family and you 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.

“As I move into the next chapter, I carry with me all the lessons, memories and connections this game has given me. I’m excited about what’s to come and how I can continue to give back to this incredible sport.”

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