Osea Kolinisau, the head coach of Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s Sevens, has emphasized his commitment to inclusivity in the selection of players for the national team. He stated that all eligible athletes aiming to represent Fiji are welcome to compete for a spot, regardless of their current playing location. Kolinisau’s comments followed a vigorous training scrimmage against a team predominantly composed of Fijian soldiers from the British Army at Albert Park.
During his address, he expressed appreciation for the British Army players participating in the session. “The selection door is always open; I’m not limiting it just to those playing in Fiji,” Kolinisau asserted. He highlighted that the coaching staff is diligently scouting for emerging talent, encouraging players who showcase consistent performance at global club or invitational tournaments to keep aspiring for a call to the national squad.
“If you are good enough, we might call you to join the camp and see if you have what it takes to represent your country,” he added, reflecting an open-door policy that aims to broaden the talent pool and include players from various backgrounds.
The scrimmage proved to be an intense and competitive encounter, with the British Army team capitalizing on weaknesses in Fiji’s defense to score two tries. Kolinisau recognized that there was work to be done in refining their defensive strategies for upcoming competitions, admitting, “That is something we need to work on as a team.”
He praised the British Army for their commendable performance, which serves as vital exposure for the national squad as they prepare for future challenges. Kolinisau’s inclusive approach and willingness to face diverse opposition could enhance Fiji’s competitiveness on the global sevens stage, showcasing his commitment to fostering talent and unity within the sport.