International rugby referee Rasta Rasivhenge has expressed admiration for Osea Kolinisau, the head coach of the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team, in light of his remarkable transition from a player to a coaching role. Rasivhenge characterized Kolinisau’s development as “phenomenal,” particularly noting the gold medallist’s ability to adapt and excel in his new position after having previously served as the captain of the Fiji 7s team.
Rasivhenge, who has collaborated with Kolinisau since 2008, emphasized how the coach’s profound understanding of the game, bolstered by his experiences with former coaches Gareth Baber and Ben Ryan, has significantly shaped his coaching approach. This rich background is poised to benefit the team greatly as they prepare for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Highlighting Kolinisau’s strategy, Rasivhenge praised the coach for successfully integrating a number of young players into the squad, which underscores the vital role of educating them on the essential structures required for elite-level performance. Kolinisau’s commitment was evident when he led the team to participate in the Rooster Chicken Grassroots Sevens Tournament held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, offering players invaluable exposure to high-performance rugby scenarios.
With Kolinisau at the helm and his talent development focus, the future appears bright for the Fiji men’s 7s team as they strive to build on their past successes and uphold their esteemed status in international rugby. This positive outlook reflects the team’s dedication to nurturing fresh talent, ultimately ensuring a robust foundation for future achievements.