After 10 years with the USA Men’s Sevens program, legendary winger and three-time Olympian Perry Baker is stepping away from the rugby playing field.
With three Olympic Games, two Rugby World Cup Sevens, 71 HSBC SVNS tournaments and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards under his belt, Baker will venture into his next chapter in life. Starting as an assistant coach through the end of the year with the Men’s Sevens.
Baker’s storied career began in football, finding rugby after a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles training camp. Coming up through the Florida and Tiger Rugby scene, he was invited to the residency program in Chula Vista in 2014 and made his Sevens Series debut under Head Coach Mike Friday later that year. His spectacular debut earned Baker a spot on the World Rugby Rookie of the Year shortlist following the 2014-15 campaign. He led the Eagles in tries scored in 2015-16 with 48, good for second-most on the series. Continuing his legendary rise, he was later voted 2017’s World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year.
During the 2017-18 season, in the first match of the 2018 Hamilton Sevens Tournament, Baker passed Zack Test to become USA's All-Time Leading Try Scorer. The milestone was secured by Baker in only three years with the squad. He then earned his second-consecutive World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Award in 2018, a special year that saw the first USA gold medal on home soil in Las Vegas.
Baker currently leads the USA Men’s Sevens in tries scored and sits second all time on the HSBC SVNS Series, a journey that has also seen him fly across three Olympic games, following Rio with appearances in Tokyo and Paris.
Widely regarded as one of the best to ever play rugby sevens, Baker has always attributed his successes to coaches, players, friends and family that have supported him along the way.
On his retirement, Baker said, “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.
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.
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.”
