Fiji’s men’s rugby sevens head coach, Osea Kolinisau, has expressed his commitment to leading the team through to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He shared this ambition upon the team’s arrival at Nadi International Airport.
Kolinisau, who took on the head coach role just four months before the Paris Olympics, successfully guided the team to a silver medal. He expressed his dedication to Fiji, stating, “My heart has always been for Fiji, and I love the opportunity to build that team for the next four years.” He acknowledged the presence of many young players in the squad but also emphasized the importance of considering his family’s needs. “If it is okay with the family, I’ll be excited if allowed to stay for four years,” he added.
This week, Kolinisau plans to meet with the interim Trustees of the Fiji Rugby Union to present his report, with a decision expected by next week. He confirmed that he signed a six-month contract prior to the Olympics. “I want to stay, but it’s up to them. I’m proud of the current nucleus of the team, which has many young players aged between 24 and 26. We have a solid foundation to build on if given the opportunity,” he said.
Peter Mazey, chairman of Fiji Rugby Union’s interim Trustees, praised Kolinisau’s achievements, noting his rapid success in turning around the team’s performance from a series of losses to an Olympic silver. “He brought in some new talent and retained experienced players. While his current contract runs until September, he is eager to continue, and the board is willing to support him in that effort,” Mazey commented.
In a related development, Mazey mentioned the challenges faced by the women’s team at the Paris Olympics, where they did not win any matches and finished last. The interim Trustees are set to meet on Wednesday to discuss the situation, as they await the official reports. Fuli, the coach of the women’s team, has expressed a desire to step down and transition to coaching in the 15s format.