Fiji Airways men’s rugby team head coach Osea Kolinisau has expressed his desire to prioritize family time in the upcoming year. The 39-year-old coach, originally from Namuka-i-Lau, has been separated from his family, who reside in the U.S. since he took on the coaching role in March of last year. Although they make regular visits back to Fiji, Kolinisau is eager to create more opportunities to spend time with his wife, Mere Tavu Fa, and their children.
Reflecting on his personal growth, he stated, “I just want more family time, win the HSBC SVNS series and just to be a better person than I was last year.” Kolinisau acknowledges that there are areas in his life where he can improve and is committed to developing both personally and as a coach.
Under his leadership, the national men’s team achieved notable success, securing a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games just four months into his coaching journey. Additionally, the team clinched its first Cup title in Dubai last month, marking a significant turnaround after a long 25-tournament dry spell.
Looking ahead, Kolinisau aims to maintain the team’s momentum and high performance. He also plans to learn from fellow coaches to enhance his coaching strategies.
Next week, Kolinisau will serve as an ambassador for the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament in Sigatoka, where he will also announce the national squad for the event. The selection for the upcoming Perth 7s, scheduled for January 24-26, will follow the Coral Coast tournament.
Currently, the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team leads the HSBC SVNS series with 36 points, followed closely by Spain and France.
This commitment to balancing personal and professional life, along with his positive coaching achievements, highlights Kolinisau’s determination not only to excel in rugby but also to strengthen family bonds—an inspiration for many.
Overall, Kolinisau’s journey demonstrates that success in sports can walk hand in hand with personal fulfillment. His focus on family values is not only admirable but also serves as a reminder that behind every athlete is a story of dedication to both their craft and loved ones.
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