Two-time Olympic rugby sevens gold medalist Jerry Tuwai says a different coaching style is what resulted in the Fiji Airways men’s sevens team’s win of the Dubai 7s yesterday.
Tuwai made the statement following Fiji’s 19-5 win over Spain in the cup final, where the win marked the end of a nine-year winless run in Dubai.
He credited head coach Osea Kolinisau for the win and noted a stark difference in the team as well.
“Oscar (Osea Kolinisau) did a very good job (since) coming in from the Olympics and till now we can see the improvement, the change of culture and system and how the boys played,” Tuwai said.
The seasoned veteran spoke to The Fiji Times yesterday following Fiji’s 19-5 win over Spain to win the opening leg of the 2024/2025 HSBC SVNS World Series.
“I think it’s the coaching. There’s a different coaching style and the system of how we play the game is different from the last two years,” Tuwai highlighted.
Tuwai shared those sentiments when asked what he felt was different about the team in the new season of the World Series compared to last season and even mentioned the helping hand he lent in their development.
“They had more time to prepare on their off-season. I think they did the off-season very well and I was there when they were doing it and I think that is one of the main parts of this win.”
Tuwai’s comments come after the team became aligned under new management through the guidance of former 7s skipper Osea Kolinisau.
The victory in Dubai comes after a winless 22-match drought that began towards the end of former head coach Gareth Baber’s tenure, followed by his successor Ben Gollings and eventually current head coach Osea Kolinisau.
With the win being a moment of redemption for Kolinisau, Tuwai also shared his elation for his former teammate first tournament win as coach, drawing comparisons to Fiji’s last win of Dubai nine years ago when he was captain.