The Fiji Airways Fiji men’s sevens team has reset its focus ahead of the 50th Hong Kong Sevens, determined to turn the sting of a narrow series defeat into fuel for a title push at the new Kai Tak Stadium from April 17–19. Head coach Osea Kolinisau said the squad is regrouping in camp and working not just on skills and combinations but on mental resilience after losing a series on the last play.
Speaking during a training session at Albert Park on Tuesday, Kolinisau acknowledged the lingering pain of the recent loss but emphasized the team’s response. “We are still hurting from the last tournament, but the boys are bouncing back,” he said. “It is never easy, especially losing a series on the last play.” The coach has made psychological recovery a visible part of the build-up, underlining the need for composure under pressure as the Sevens circuit enters a pivotal stage.
Kolinisau has leaned on experience in the lead-up to Hong Kong, pointing to senior campaigners Sevuloni Mocenacagi and Waisea Nacuqu — both players who have previously stood on the winners’ podium in the city — to steady a relatively young group. Their presence, Kolinisau said, is important for passing on knowledge about the unique atmosphere and demands of Hong Kong. At the same time, he has challenged newer members of the squad to step up: “We want the championship. It is special to play in Hong Kong, but even more special to win it.”
The significance of this year’s tournament is heightened by two changes. First, it is the 50th edition of the storied event; second, Hong Kong has been restructured as a standalone championship with a new format, separating it from the wider SVNS series calendar. That repositioning raises the stakes for Fiji, where Hong Kong has long been a stage for legacy-making performances and for launching careers — including for players such as Jioji Nasova, who first cut his teeth on the SVNS circuit in Hong Kong.
Training at Albert Park has focused on sharpening finishing, defensive patterns and set plays tailored to the fast turnaround of a three-day event. Kolinisau’s public messaging has been consistent: blend the flair that defines Fijian sevens with greater discipline in key moments. With the team still smarting from a last-minute series reversal, the coach has framed Hong Kong as an opportunity for redemption and affirmation.
As the squad finalises preparations and travel plans for Kai Tak, attention will be on how the combination of experienced leaders and emerging talent handles the pressure of a refreshed Hong Kong format. For Fiji, the tournament is not merely another stop on the calendar but a chance to reclaim a historic title and to reinforce the mental toughness Kolinisau says will be essential for success.
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