Two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, Perry Baker, has officially announced his retirement from the international Sevens scene, marking the end of an era for one of the sport’s most iconic players. His departure from the USA Men’s Sevens team concludes a remarkable ten-year career, as Baker transitions into a coaching role that will continue through the end of this year.
Starting his athletic journey in American football, Baker initially trained with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles before making the shift to rugby. This change proved transformative, launching him into the World Rugby Sevens Series, where he quickly became known for his electrifying speed and precision.
Baker, 38, is celebrated as one of the greatest Sevens players in USA Rugby history. He made his debut in the World Rugby Sevens Series in 2014 under then-coach Mike Friday, quickly proving to be a standout talent on the field.
A Flying Start on the Sevens Circuit
In his debut season, Baker’s skill and athleticism earned him a spot on the World Rugby Rookie of the Year shortlist. His rise continued, with Baker leading the USA Eagles in try-scoring with 48 tries in the 2015/16 series. The following season, he ranked as the second-highest try-scorer in the entire series, a testament to his impact and consistency on the pitch.
His exceptional play earned him the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year title in 2017, a milestone that further solidified his status as a rugby superstar. During the 2017/18 season, Baker surpassed Zack Test as the USA’s all-time leading try-scorer, reaching this achievement at the Hamilton Sevens. In 2018, he repeated his World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year win, becoming the first American to receive the honor twice.
Today, Baker holds the record for the most tries in USA Men’s Sevens history and stands second on the HSBC SVNS Series’ all-time list.
Baker’s international career also includes appearances in three Olympic Games: Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, and Paris 2023.
Reflecting on his retirement, Baker shared: “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.”
“It’s been an honor 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 friendships rugby would give me.”
He added a heartfelt note to his wife and family: “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.”
A Message to Fans, Teammates, and the Sport Itself
Baker also expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career: “To my team-mates, 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.”
As he moves into the next phase of his career, Baker looks forward to staying connected to the sport he loves: “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.”
