Fiji Airways men’s 7s coach Osea Kolinisau has reaffirmed the open approach to national team selection, emphasizing that players’ talents will be acknowledged regardless of their competition level. After a rigorous scrimmage with the visiting British Army 7s team, Kolinisau expressed gratitude towards his players for their intense practice and recognized the value of preparing against diverse opponents.
The Olympic gold medallist noted that the British Army capitalized on some of Fiji’s mistakes, scoring two tries and providing critical lessons for his team. “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,” he stated.
In a significant message to aspiring players outside the core professional group, Kolinisau reassured that national selection is open to all. “Selection is not limited to the boys playing in the PG programme. Me and the management team are always looking for talent,” he said. He highlighted that strong performances at club and invitational levels would be noticed, presenting opportunities for deserving athletes to showcase their skills during training camps.
“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 commitment to inclusivity and potential depth in the men’s 7s program reflects Fiji’s ambitions as the team gears up for upcoming challenges.
Looking to the future, Kolinisau will lead a youthful squad at the Coral Coast 7s tournament commencing tomorrow at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Fans are encouraged to watch the matches live on FBC Sports, with international viewers having access to the event through Viti+. This inclusive approach not only highlights Fiji’s dedication to the sport but also ignites optimism for the emergence of new talent in the national team.