SUVA, Fiji (AP) — Osea Kolinisau guided Fiji to its first Olympic gold medal when rugby sevens debuted at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Now as coach, he's turned to former teammate Jerry Tuwai to help Fiji win a third straight Pacific title.
Kolinisau, who captained Fiji to the Rio de Janeiro tournament eight years ago, was tapped to coach the men's sevens team earlier this year after the team struggled in the World Series.
He only recently brought back 35-year-old Tuwai, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, Sevens World Cup winner and World Sevens Player of the Decade, who is now part of the Fiji national team in Paris.
“The Olympics is a special event and the biggest challenge will be adapting to the rhythm and flow that comes with being on the international stage in a limited amount of time,” Kolinisau said. “I am confident in the talent and experience of our athletes.”
The Fiji Rugby Union expressed confidence that Kolinisau's “mix of experienced veterans and dynamic young players will live up to expectations and make the country proud.”
The men's rugby sevens tournament begins on 24 July, two days before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, with Fiji in Pool C with hosts and World Series Final winners France, the United States and Uruguay.
The women's tournament will be held from July 28-30, with Tokyo bronze medallists Fiji in Pool A with defending champions New Zealand, Canada and China.
The women's team was announced early on Thursday morning, with Sesenyeri Donu having recovered from a long-term knee injury to be included in coach Siasi Fuli's 15-man Fijiana line-up.
Donu was a key player in Fijiana's unexpected bronze medal win at the Tokyo Games three years ago, but suffered a knee injury at the 2022 Women's World Cup that required surgery.
She said there were times during her long recovery when she nearly lost hope.
“I prayed, had faith in my rehabilitation and now I'm preparing for the Olympics,” she said, reflecting on her motivation ahead of the team announcement. “Never give up on your dreams. This is what helped me get through the toughest moments.”
The team will be reduced to 12 players for the Olympic Games, with three more designated as travelling reserves.
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team:
Men: Joseva Talacolo, Jeremaia Matana, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Josaia Raisuqe, Terio Veilawa, Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Iosefo Masi, Iowane Teba, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ratu Felipe Sauturaga, Kaminieli Rasaku, Joji Nasova, Vuiviwa Naduvalo.
Women: Raijeli Daveua, Verenaisi Ditavutou, Adi Vani Breki, Ravena Chavulu, Leapi Urnisau, Ana Maria Naimassi, Ilisapec Deraiwau, Korola Romani, Aloesi Nakoci, Raisana Likceva, Maria Lokotuisiga, Cesenyeri Donu, Meredani Koro, Adimeleani Logosau, Taray Karo Wilson.
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-Paris-Olympics
