Fiji Airways men’s rugby head coach Osea Kolinisau has expressed his desire to focus on family time this year. The 39-year-old, hailing from Namuka-i-Lau, has been separated from his family, who reside in the U.S., since he took on his coaching role in March last year. His wife, Mere Tavu Fa, and their children frequently visit him in Fiji, but Kolinisau is seeking to create more opportunities for family bonding.

Commenting on his aspirations for this year, Kolinisau stated, “I just want more family time, win the HSBC SVNS series, and just to be a better person than I was last year.” As a 2016 Olympic gold medalist, he is keen on personal growth and recognizes areas in his life that he can improve upon.

Under Kolinisau’s leadership, the Fiji men’s team has achieved significant milestones, including winning a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games shortly after he began his coaching journey. Moreover, he recently led the team to their first Cup title victory in Dubai last month, thereby ending a challenging 25-tournament winless streak.

Looking ahead, Kolinisau aims to maintain the team’s impressive performance. The Fiji men’s rugby sevens team currently leads the HSBC SVNS series with a total of 36 points, ahead of Spain and France. He intends to learn from fellow coaches to enhance his coaching skills further.

This Saturday, Kolinisau will be an ambassador for the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, where he will announce a national squad for the three-day event. Following this, he will select the team for the upcoming Perth 7s tournament scheduled for January 24-26.

Kolinisau’s commitment to balancing his professional responsibilities with his family life is commendable, illustrating the value of nurturing familial relationships while also striving for success in sports. This dual focus not only sets a positive example for athletes but also emphasizes the importance of personal fulfillment alongside professional aspirations.

In summary, Osea Kolinisau is poised for a transformative year filled with opportunities for both family bonding and continued success for the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team, embodying the harmony between personal values and professional commitments.