FROM settling for Olympic Games silver to winning the Dubai 7s title and finishing third in Cape Town, it’s a positive trajectory for the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team in the 2024-2025 HSBC SVNS Series.
This did not come over night as head coach Osea Kolinisau had to ignite the flair known to Fiji rugby by setting strict standards and demanding the best.
Since his appointment on March 8, 2024, the 2016 Olympic Games gold medal winning captain focused on fitness and defence.
In a span of four months, improvements were noted with glimpses of that Fijian flair slowly returning at the Olympic stage.
Given another four months to regroup and the national team was on the podium in Dubai, breaking a record 22-tournament winless streak.
Kolinisau described the season they’ve had so far as progressive.
“The boys are starting to understand our defence pattern and our attacking patterns and slowly starting to play around with it,” he said.
His standout moment was seeing them lift the trophy in Dubai last month.
“Winning the Dubai tournament and to see the boys’ smiling faces and know that they have achieved a first tournament win after a very long time means a lot especially for the boys.
“They have been under a lot of pressure and criticism for the last 22 tournaments without a win and we are thankful to God above for giving us the strength to do it.
“I’m so happy for the boys and the confidence they have gained from it,” Kolinisau added.
The Dubai win was also Kolinisau’s first as the head coach.
The next task now is Perth in January and Vancouver in February.
