Fiji Airways men’s 7s coach Osea Kolinisau has emphasized the open nature of national team selection, asserting that talent will be recognized regardless of where players are competing. Following a scrimmage against the visiting British Army 7s team, Kolinisau expressed gratitude to his players for the intense practice and acknowledged the benefits of facing varied opposition.
The Olympic gold medallist also pointed out that the British Army was able to score two tries by exploiting some of Fiji’s errors, offering crucial learning experiences for his squad. Kolinisau stated, “Those are areas we want to fix as a team. But overall it was a good session, and I was grateful to the boys, especially the British Army players, for pushing us.”
In a strong message to potential players outside the core professional group, he reminded everyone that national selection is accessible to all. “Selection is not limited to the boys playing in the PG programme. Me and the management team are always looking for talent,” Kolinisau remarked. He highlighted that impressive performances at club and invitational levels would be recognized, providing opportunities for deserving players to demonstrate their capabilities in camp.
“If you’re good enough, we might call you in to join camp and see if you’ve got what it takes to represent your country,” he added. This announcement signals Fiji’s commitment to fostering depth, competition, and ambition within its men’s 7s program as the team prepares for its future challenges.
Looking ahead, Kolinisau will be leading a youthful squad for the Coral Coast 7s tournament, set to begin tomorrow at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Fans can watch the matches live on FBC Sports, with international viewers able to access the action through Viti+. This approach not only showcases Fiji’s commitment to inclusivity in the sport but also fosters hope for the emergence of new talent in the national team.