Olympic Rugby Sevens Shakeup: Fiji Ousts Coach Gollings, Taps Kolinisau for Paris Defense…
Fiji’s triumph at the inaugural Olympic Games in 2016 marked a historic moment, securing the island nation’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in any sport. Their success continued with a successful title defense in Tokyo three years later. However, despite their Olympic glory, Fiji’s performance in the World Rugby Sevens Series has faltered since May 2022, with the team failing to clinch a round victory.
In light of these challenges, Fiji Rugby chairman Peter Mazey expressed gratitude to Ben Gollings for his dedication and efforts while emphasizing the organization’s commitment to achieving further success in sevens rugby at the Summer Olympics. Mazey acknowledged Gollings’ contributions but stressed the necessity of prioritizing Fiji’s quest for Olympic medals.
“We are confident that our new coach will provide the leadership, guidance, and strategic direction necessary to elevate the performance of our sevens rugby team and position Fiji for success at the Summer Olympics,” Mazey affirmed in a statement.
Osea Kolinisau, who served as Fiji’s flag-bearer at the 2016 Olympics, assumes the coaching mantle after leading the squad to Olympic gold in Rio. Additionally, Kolinisau captained Fiji during their back-to-back triumphs in the World Sevens Series in 2014–15 and 2015–16, showcasing his leadership prowess and understanding of the game at its highest level.
In tandem with Kolinisau’s appointment, Fiji Rugby is contemplating the selection of a Director of Rugby for Sevens. Potential candidates under consideration include esteemed coaches such as Ben Ryan and Gareth Baber, both of whom have tasted Olympic success, along with Sevens legend Waisale Serevi.
The impending 2024 Olympic Rugby Sevens tournament is slated to unfold from July 24–30 at the prestigious Stade de France, setting the stage for an exhilarating display of sevens rugby prowess on the grandest stage of all. As Fiji embarks on this journey with a new coach at the helm, the anticipation and expectations surrounding their performance are palpable.