“My heart has always been for Fiji and I love the opportunity to build that team for the next four years,” the captain of the gold medal winning team at the 2016 Rio Olympics said.
Fiji men’s rugby sevens head coach, Osea Kolinisau (middle) and captain Jerry
Tuwai with family members at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi on August 4, 2024. Photo: Salote Qalubau
Fiji men’s rugby sevens head coach, Osea Kolinisau, is ready to take on the job right to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
He revealed this when asked during the team’s arrival at Nadi International Airport yesterday.
Kolinisau who took up the head coach’s job four months away from the Paris Olympics guided the team to a silver medal win.
“My heart has always been for Fiji and I love the opportunity to build that team for the next four years,” the captain of the gold medal winning team at the 2016 Rio Olympics said.
“There are lots of youngsters in the team now but I have to think about family as well. If it is okay with the family, I’ll be excited if allowed (to stay) for four years.”
Kolinisau said he would have to sit with the Fiji Rugby Union interim Trustees this week as he presents his report and should know the outcome by next week.
He confirmed signing a six-month contract before the Olympics.
“I’ll see what they want. I want to stay but it’s up to them. I’m proud with the nucleus of the team right now. A lot of youngsters between the ages of 24 to 26. We know the standard that we are supposed to be playing in. We have a base that we can build on if we are given the opportunity.”
Fiji Rugby Union interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey said he is proud of what Kolinisau has done with the team.
“Look I am a fan of what he has done, he came in with only four months and we went from not achieving anything from 22 tournaments to silver in the Olympics. That’s an incredible achievement,” he said.
“He brought in some new blood and kept some old guys, his current contract, which he wanted is only up to September. I have spoken to him and he is keen to carry on. The board will certainly work with him on that.”
Fuli steps down?
Mazey said they want to know what happened at the Paris Olympics as women’s team failed to win any matches and finished last.
“We have not got the reports yet. The trustees are meeting on Wednesday and hope to get the reports in,” he said.
“We all know that something happened and we did not win.” Fuli has already indicated that he wants to stop coaching women and is looking at 15s coaching.”
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
