The Fiji Men's 7s team is undergoing a significant transformation, and the clock is ticking towards the next Olympic Games! Head coach Osea Kolinisau has revealed that the squad is currently in a crucial transition phase, with a strong emphasis on building depth and fostering long-term development. This season is being viewed as a vital opportunity to not only rebuild but also to significantly enhance competition across every single position on the field. The ultimate goal is to ensure Fiji maintains its formidable presence on the global rugby stage.
You might have noticed a wave of new talent making their way into the squad, and that's precisely the strategy in action. The coaching team is actively working to broaden the pool of players, moving away from a reliance on a fixed group of established stars. As Kolinisau puts it, "You can see where there’s a lot of changes, new players coming in, and that’s something we want to build before the Olympic years come around. This is the time where transitioning is happening, and two years out from the Olympics we’re trying to build depth and make sure we have competition in every position."
But here's where it gets particularly interesting: Kolinisau stresses that internal competition is the bedrock of maintaining high standards. The expectation is that multiple players will be vying for the same spots throughout the season. And this is the part most people miss: Kolinisau is making it abundantly clear that exceptional performance in training will be recognized and rewarded, irrespective of a player's prior experience. He stated, "We would like to have four people competing for one position, and that’s the depth we want. New faces will be brought in, and if they’re good enough and showing it in training, I’m not scared to give them the chance to debut for Fiji."
This approach of prioritizing raw talent and dedication over established reputations is certainly a bold move. It raises the question: will this open-door policy for new talent truly galvanize the team and secure future Olympic success, or could it disrupt team cohesion? What are your thoughts on this strategy? Do you believe focusing on widespread competition is the key to sustained excellence, or would you prefer a more stable, experienced core leading the charge?
In the meantime, the national 7s side is gearing up for the Singapore 7s next weekend. Make sure to catch all the action LIVE on FBC Sports!
