A new head coach for the Fijiana women’s rugby sevens team is set to be appointed for the start of the 2025 HSBC Sevens World Series, as announced by Fiji Rugby Union interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey. This decision follows the conclusion of Saiasi Fuli’s contract in December.
Mazey indicated that after extensive discussions with Fuli, the decision was made to advertise the coaching position. The advertisement is expected to be published in the media within the next week. Fiji Rugby Union is currently seeking an ideal candidate to lead the women’s team into its next phase.
The new coach will be responsible for developing and executing a high-performance strategy aimed at selecting a new team. Notably, most contracts for women’s sevens players have expired following the Olympics, with the exceptions of Younis Bese and Heleina Young, whose contracts will extend until the end of this year.
Fuli expressed gratitude towards Fiji Rugby Union for the opportunity to coach the national women’s sevens team. He reflected on the challenges of transitioning from a men’s coaching background, particularly recalling his earlier role as assistant coach to Gareth Baber when he was brought on to steer the team away from relegation. Fuli described his five-year journey with the team as both challenging and rewarding.
In other news, Osea Kolinisau will remain as the head coach of the Fiji men’s sevens rugby team for the next four years. Mazey praised Kolinisau’s impressive results over the past four months, emphasizing his capability and vision for the future. Kolinisau is expected to have significant plans moving forward, which will be shared in due course. Mazey also highlighted that Kolinisau’s primary goal is to secure a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.