Osea Kolinisau, the head coach of Fiji Airways men’s rugby sevens team, is on a mission to be a source of inspiration for aspiring rugby players as he prepares for his induction into the RugbyTown Walk of Fame. This honor comes during the much-anticipated McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament, where Kolinisau will stand alongside rugby legends such as David Campese, Waisale Serevi, and Jonah Lomu, among others.

Expressing his sentiments about this recognition, Kolinisau shared, “I’m privileged and honored that the organizers see fit to include me into their Walk of Fame.” His contributions to Fiji Rugby are significant; he led the national team to its first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games and captained them to consecutive HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series titles in 2015 and 2016. These achievements have established him as an icon in the world of sports.

Kolinisau’s legacy includes pivotal moments such as being the flag bearer at the Rio Olympics and scoring the opening try in the final against Great Britain, cementing Fiji’s place in Olympic history. He was also nominated for the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award in 2016, further highlighting his prolific career, which featured 62 events and a remarkable tally of 1,272 points during his tenure as captain from 2013 to 2017.

As an ambassador for the Coral Coast 7s, Kolinisau is committed to nurturing the next generation of rugby talents. He expressed gratitude for his journey, hoping that his story will motivate young Fijians to pursue their dreams in sports.

The Coral Coast tournament will take place at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka from January 16-18, 2025, where Kolinisau will announce the national team selections. His dedication to both family and rugby exemplifies a balance that is often hard to achieve, showcasing that personal and professional growth can go hand-in-hand.

In summary, Osea Kolinisau’s induction into the RugbyTown Walk of Fame underscores not just personal accolades but also his commitment to inspiring the future of rugby in Fiji. His journey demonstrates that excellence in sports can uplift communities while instilling a sense of hope and ambition in young athletes. As he continues to lead and mentor, Kolinisau’s influence will undoubtedly shape the future of Fijian rugby positively.