Fiji’s first-ever Olympic medal was secured in 2016 under the leadership of Osea Kolinisau, who captained the national sevens team to gold in Rio. A central figure in professional rugby for over a decade, he established himself as the most capped player in his nation's sevens history, accumulating 1272 points across 301 matches.
Early Development and International Debut
Born in Suva in 1985, Osea Kolinisau began his rugby training at Ratu Sukuna Memorial School. His club career included stints with the Covenant Brother Rugby Club and the Serevi Selects, where he competed in the 2012 Coral Coast Sevens. He marked his international debut for Fiji during the 2008 Dubai Sevens tournament.
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Kolinisau served as the captain for the Fiji team that won the 2013–14 Dubai 7s. Under his guidance, the squad secured two consecutive first-place finishes in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series for the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons. Throughout his tenure as a player, he recorded 122 tries and secured his position as the 12th highest all-time point scorer in the history of the HSBC Sevens Series.
The 2016 Rio Olympic Triumph
During the 2016 Rio Olympics, Kolinisau served as the flag bearer for Team Fiji. He led the sevens team to the gold medal, defeating Great Britain 43–7 in the final, where he scored the opening try. Following this historic victory, he received the Officer of the Order of Fiji. His impact on the nation was further recognized when he was featured on a commemorative Fiji 7 Dollar Banknote.
Professional Transition and Coaching
Following his Olympic performance, Kolinisau played for the Houston SaberCats in Major League Rugby from 2018 to 2020. He later competed for the Asia Pacific Dragons in the 2020 World Tens Series in Bermuda and joined Old Glory DC for two matches in April 2021. In 2021, World Rugby inducted him into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. On March 8, 2024, he assumed the role of head coach for the Fiji Men’s Sevens team.
Fast facts
- Born: 17 November 1985, Suva, Fiji
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2016
- Total Sevens Series Points: 1272
- Total Sevens Series Matches: 301
- World Rugby Hall of Fame Induction: 2021
- Officer of the Order of Fiji recipient
- Spouse: Mere Tavu Fa
Questions readers ask
What is Osea Kolinisau's current role in rugby?
He is the head coach of the Fiji Men's Sevens team, having taken the position on March 8, 2024.
Did Kolinisau play for any professional 15-a-side clubs?
Achievements
- medal of the Order of Fiji, general division
- Represented Fiji national rugby union team (sevens)
- Competed at rugby sevens at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Discipline: rugby sevens and rugby union