Osea Kolinisau, the legendary former captain of Fiji’s Rugby Sevens team, has recently made headlines for his impressive return as the head coach of the Fiji Men’s Sevens team. In a remarkable achievement, Kolinisau led the team to a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, only four months after taking over the role in March 2024. This feat is all the more impressive considering Fiji was ranked sixth in the world going into the tournament, with many doubting their chances of medaling.
The silver medal marked a dramatic turnaround for the team, who had faced challenges and struggled with consistency leading up to the Games. Under Kolinisau’s leadership, the team showed tremendous improvement and resilience, culminating in a well-fought final against the host nation, France. Although they lost 28-7, the achievement of reaching the final was seen as a major success, especially considering the short time Kolinisau had to implement his vision.
Kolinisau’s coaching style and his emphasis on high standards and fitness have been pivotal in this turnaround. His no-nonsense approach to discipline, including strict measures for players who didn’t meet team expectations, was a key part of this success. As he explained, he aimed to set a standard similar to the one the team followed when they won the Olympic gold medal in Rio in 2016, a victory he was directly involved in as the captain.
Following his success, the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) extended Kolinisau’s contract for another four years, solidifying his position as head coach through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This extension speaks volumes about the trust the FRU has in his ability to bring the team back to the top of the world stage. In a statement, Peter Mazey, the interim chairman of the FRU, expressed confidence in Kolinisau’s leadership and his ability to lead Fiji to gold in Los Angeles.
For Kolinisau, this is not just a job but a personal mission. As a coach, he is deeply committed to restoring Fiji’s dominant place in world rugby. Despite the team’s silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Kolinisau humbly reminded the players that they had achieved something significant, as many people spend their whole lives chasing an Olympic medal without ever getting one. While he acknowledges the disappointment of not securing gold, he has already set his sights on the next big challenge: the 2028 Olympics.
Kolinisau’s journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a deep love for his country’s rugby legacy. Having captained Fiji to Olympic glory in 2016, he now seeks to guide the next generation of players to even greater heights. His leadership not only inspires those on the field but also gives hope to the thousands of Fijians who live and breathe rugby.
You May Also Like: Dubai 7’s 2024
1 thought on “Osea Kolinisau: From Captain to Coach, Leading Fiji Sevens Team Towards Glory”