Osea Kolinisau, head coach of FIJI Airways Fiji men’s 7s team, aspires to inspire young rugby players following his upcoming induction into the RugbyTown Walk of Fame. This honor comes during the upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament, set to take place at Sigatoka’s Lawaqa Park. Kolinisau will join the ranks of rugby legends such as David Campese, Waisale Serevi, and Jonah Lomu, among others.

In expressing his feelings about this recognition, Kolinisau shared, “I’m privileged and honored that the organizers see fit to include me into their Walk of Fame.” His contribution to Fiji Rugby is notable; he led the Fiji 7s team to win the country’s first Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Kolinisau also captained the team to consecutive HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series titles in 2015 and 2016. By serving as the tournament ambassador, he hopes to pave the way for the next generation of athletes, stating, “I am thankful for the journey that God has taken me through and hopefully I inspire more Fijian young boys to follow in my footsteps.”

His achievements have not gone unnoticed, as he was also nominated for the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award in 2016. Having retired from elite sevens play in May 2017, Kolinisau is keen to enhance the future of the sport in Fiji through mentorship and skill development.

With a commendable past performance during the 2013 Hong Kong 7s final, where he contributed significantly to a remarkable comeback victory against Wales, Kolinisau’s experiences serve as a source of inspiration. His dedication to the sport and commitment to family and community further reflect a hopeful narrative for the growth and success of rugby in Fiji.

As Kolinisau prepares to make his mark in the RugbyTown Walk of Fame, it’s clear that his journey is about more than individual accolades; it’s about inspiring passion in young players and nurturing talent in the sport. The community eagerly anticipates how Kolinisau’s influence will continue to manifest in the development of rugby in Fiji, highlighting not only the personal pursuit of excellence but also the importance of collective growth.