Setting high standards at the National Rugby Sevens Camp is what Head Coach Osea Kolinisau did to restore the Fijian flair of rugby.
With only three months with the side, Kolinisau led the team to a podium finish at the Olympic Games Paris 2024; they won silver after losing to hosts France, 28-7, at the Stade de France.
The 38-year-old said that it is a tough job to be Fiji’s National Sevens Rugby Coach, as a win was always expected regardless.
Kolinisau, who was captain back when Fiji won its first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Olympic Games Rio 2016, took over the top job in March 2024.
The Fijian men came into Paris 2024 ranked sixth on the HSBC Sevens Series stadings, and were least expected to win any medal.
“I just came in and set the standard that we built on that road to Rio (2016),” Kolinisau said.
“I wanted the boys to get fitter.
“We play a high-tempo game and want free-flowing rugby.
“At one point, the team manager was tired of writing warning letters to players who did not live up to the team’s standards.
“Some said I set standards too high,” Kolinisau added.
“I only had two months before the Olympics to change things.
“I am very tough on them; contracts will be pulled out if they do not listen and I thank them for learning and adjusting really quickly,” he said.
Kolinisau admitted that his men were a bit disappointed with their silver medal, and he apologized to the fans back home for not being able to defend their gold medal.
“We did not win gold, but a silver medal at the Olympics is something to be proud of; I reminded them that some people chase it all their lives but do not get it.
“Kudos to France; they took their opportunities and capitalized on them,” he said.
Third place was taken by Team South Africa, who beat Australia in the Bronze Medal Match, 26-19.
