The Fiji men’s rugby sevens head coach, Osea Kolinisau, is not going to rest despite winning the Dubai Sevens tournament yesterday morning (Fiji time).

The Fijians beat Spain 19-5 in the Cup final to end their 22-HSBC SVNS tournament losing streak.

“It been a long time coming,” Kolinisau told World Rugby.

“I’m so happy that we’ve got the monkey off our back now.”

The 39-year-old said from now he wants consistency.

Kolinisau highlighted that now he wants Fiji to challenge and win more titles this season.

“We’ve worked really hard this last six months. We were disappointed at the Olympics. I told the boys hard work pays off and it paid off here.”

An added bonus to Fiji’s win was when utility back Filipe Sauturaga was named Player of the Final.

Debutant Kavekini Tanivanuakula said it has been a learning experience.

“I’m thankful to God for his guidance as I’ve reached a good place in terms of my rugby career,” the Suva soldier said.

“I’ve come to learn a lot of things, which improved my game. I’m thankful to the coaches and team-mates for giving in their time and effort.”

Tanivanuakula said it was dream come true for him to win the tournament in his debut.

“My favourite moment of this Dubai tournament is when I held the trophy. I hope to improve the way I play in the next tournament in Cape Town, South Africa.”

Tanivanuakula said the standard set by the coach and senior players was a different level.

“I thank my family and friends for their support and well wishes,” he added.

Newcomer George Bose acknowledged divine intervention in their win.

The last time Fiji won the Dubai tournament was in 2016.

“I had observed the change in the (sevens) game as the other teams have showed class and experience,” he said.

“Our bond on the field was the strength behind the win in the final.”

Bose said they had to improve their defence going into the final day of the competition.

“We hope to further improve our defence in the Cape Town tournament.

“To be in the national sevens team is a different level and we should change our mindset when we are at this level.

“If we don’t change our mindset it could result a drop in standard for the national sevens team.

“At this moment we want to progress further.”

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj