Senivalati Vunibola, a former member of the Fiji 7s team, has expressed his strong support for Osea Kolinisau’s role as the head coach of the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team. Vunibola emphasized that only a seasoned player who transitions into coaching, like Kolinisau, can truly understand and lead the national team effectively. He feels that an ex-player possesses the critical insights into various game dynamics such as defense and attack, which are essential for successful coaching.

These comments were made during a one-day invitational sevens tournament named in Vunibola’s honor, held in Nakorosule, Naitasiri. Vunibola praised Kolinisau’s coaching style, noting that he fosters a positive environment, contrasting it with coaches who might discourage their players. Under Kolinisau’s leadership since he took over last year, the Fiji 7s team has achieved impressive results in the ongoing 2024/2025 HSBC SVNS World Series, securing a victory in the Dubai tournament and a third-place finish in Cape Town.

Looking forward, the national side is preparing for the upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, with plans to name the squad for the Perth 7s, scheduled for January 24-26. Currently, Fiji leads the World SVNS Series, reflecting the team’s hard work and determination.

This positive momentum illustrates a hopeful outlook for the Fiji 7s team, not only positioning them strongly for future competitions but also serving as an inspiration for young athletes aspiring to follow their path in rugby. The unity and commitment shown by the players and their coach could pave the way for continued success on the international stage.