Fiji Airways men’s rugby sevens head coach Osea Kolinisau is prioritizing family time this year. At 39, the Namuka-i-Lau native has been apart from his family, who reside in the United States, since he began his coaching role in March 2024. His wife, Mere Tavu Fa, and their children visit regularly, but Kolinisau seeks to spend more time with them.

“I just want more family time, win the HSBC SVNS series, and strive to be a better person than I was last year,” Kolinisau remarked, emphasizing personal development and reflection on his journey as a coach. Recognizing areas for improvement, he is committed to enhancing both his coaching skills and individual character.

Under Kolinisau’s leadership, the national team achieved notable success, securing a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games shortly after he assumed coaching responsibilities. Furthermore, they won their first Cup title in Dubai last month, marking a significant turnaround after a long winless streak in 25 tournaments.

This year, Kolinisau plans to maintain the team’s strong performance while learning from experienced coaches to further refine his coaching strategies. He is set to serve as an ambassador at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament in Sigatoka next week, where he will announce the national squad for the three-day event, followed by the selection for the Perth 7s tournament scheduled for January 24-26. Currently, the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team tops the HSBC SVNS series standings with 36 points, four points ahead of Spain.

Kolinisau’s dedication to balancing his family life with professional commitments inspires many. His approach highlights the importance of personal values while achieving professional success. As he focuses on both his loved ones and the team’s success, there is optimism that 2025 will be a year of growth and accomplishment for Kolinisau and the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team.

In summary, Osea Kolinisau’s journey represents a harmonious balance between family and coaching aspirations, reinforcing that personal fulfillment and professional excellence can coexist.