Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau emphasizes the vital role grassroots tournaments play in enhancing the depth of the national rugby program. His remarks follow the impressive victory of the Fiji development side at the Fiji Sports Council Grassroots Vatulele 7s held in Sigatoka over the weekend.
Kolinisau regards these competitions not as a fallback but as a critical opportunity for growth and internal competition within the national setup. He believes that comparing the skills of emerging players with those already on the national team is crucial for development.
“With limited tournaments outside of the international circuit, grassroots events provide essential match experience for players in the extended squad,” he stated. This sentiment underscores how local competitions can help keep aspiring athletes engaged and competitive.
He further mentioned that the exposure to high expectations at the grassroots level elevates the performance standards across the board. Kolinisau maintains that staying connected to grassroots rugby is key not only to keeping players match-ready but also to fortifying the pathway from local levels to international competitions.
The national 7s teams are currently gearing up for the Vancouver and New York 7s scheduled for next month, and these local tournaments are positioning them well for the challenges ahead. The approach taken by Kolinisau highlights a future-focused strategy aimed at cultivating talent and ensuring Fiji continues to shine in the international rugby arena.