FIJI Airways’ head coach of the Fijian 7s team, Osea Kolinisau, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the disqualification of the Viwa Rugby 7s team during the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s tournament. The incident occurred after tournament organizers raised concerns about the team’s composition, as most members were found to be from the national development squad.
Kolinisau had fielded young prospects and players from the Fijian Drua team in hopes of giving them critical game time. He articulated that the team had included only two senior players who were recovering from injuries, intending to assess how these younger talents adapted to the team’s tactical style, particularly their defensive structure. His frustration stems from the procedure of the disqualification, questioning why the organizers waited until after the team had been submitted to take action.
“Why not disqualify us at the start? Why wait until after the team was submitted?” Kolinisau remarked. He argued that grassroots tournaments should promote inclusivity for national teams to better evaluate local talent, asserting, “If you want to be the best, you have to play against the best.” Moreover, he noted that the disqualification prevented players from returning to their original clubs, which he found particularly disheartening.
The tournament director, Jeff Tamata, explained that the integrity of grassroots rugby must be upheld. He stated, “Our priority is the development of grassroots clubs in Fiji,” underscoring that allowing a team filled with national players to compete could create an unfair advantage. This decision to disqualify has been seen as part of a necessary approach to maintaining fair competition within Fijian rugby.
Despite this setback, Kolinisau remains focused on preparing his squad for the upcoming Hong Kong 7s tournament, reflecting his resilience and a commitment to nurturing future talent in Fijian rugby.
This incident, while disappointing for Kolinisau and the Viwa team, highlights the critical need for clear communication and adherence to tournament regulations. Such commitments to fair play ultimately fortify the foundational integrity of rugby at the local level, fostering an environment where emerging talents can grow and shine.
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