Chasing Glory: Fiji's Quest for third Olympic Rugby Gold in Paris

Fiji is uniquely the only rugby nation in the world to win Olympic gold in modern times and coach Osea Kolinisau insists his team is looking to continue that unique legacy in Paris in two week’s time.

The Paris Olympic 7s kicks off on 24 of July and the whole of Fiji is hoping for the ‘threepeat’, the miraculous achievement of winning all three Olympic rugby gold medals since the sport was introduced in 2016.

The idea that this Fijian team is not as motivated as the original gold medal-winning teams of 2016 and 2021 was rubbished by the legendary, former captain who is now looking to become a great coach.

‘I will correct you of that thought. We are really hungry for that win,’ said Kolinisau this week from Libourne near the south-west coast of France.

‘We know the public is hungry too and I think the boys are up for the task.’

In his time as the original gold medal winning captain in that epic final in Rio de Janeiro, 2016, when they gave Great Britain a drubbing of such skill and panache it was a rugby romantic’s dream come true.

The economically poor Pacific Islanders laid waste to the notion that the more money, laboratories, science and modernity you have, the better you will perform. Nope, Fijian glory was based on their Sigatoka sand dunes, a modern coach in Ben Ryan, who was all-heart, the genius of Jerry Tuwai, Kolinisau’s leadership, their innate, underrated rugby intelligence, and a whole lotta love from the die-hard Fijian supporters.

Their final performance was beautiful to witness. The team was a legendary one, the beautiful names drip off the tongue and are now etched in Fijian folklore - Viriviri, (who was viriviri fast), Domalailai, Veremalua, Nakarawa, Kunatani, Mata, Taliga, Tuisova, Ravouvou, Dakuwaqa and Kolinisau. Their names should always be remembered. They led 29-0 at halftime, that’s five tries in 10 minutes. Men against boys? No, it was worse than that.

Can they do it again? They are every rugby supporter’s second favourite team after their own and it’s no secret why. It’s the artistry in their game, nobody plays with their flair, the guile, the power, athleticism and trickery of the Fijians when they’re at their absolute best. When it’s on, the sense of fun they generate is magical.

At such a high-profile event there will be plenty of distractions. The Flying Fijians are the rugby equivalent of the American Dream Team and off-field diversions will be a factor, which is why it’s wonderful for Fiji to have Kolinisau’s experience leading them.

‘I tell the boys, all those tricks you try, I know them all. I was brought up in the islands and I was one of you.’

‘We’re trying to warn and educate them about what they can expect in the Olympic village. A lot of athletes lose their events in the village because of all the distractions.’

‘That’s a point of difference as a coach that I can bring to the boys.’

Fiji had their lowest ever finish in the World Circuit this year, finishing sixth, with Argentina, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and France finishing above them in that order, and showing real steel. 

The pressure on the players is enormous. Can you imagine being part of the first team that failed to win the gold medal for Fiji? It may ultimately prove to be too much for them. But not if Kolinisau has his way.

‘We want to go out and defend that legacy.’

‘The team is trying hard to go out and live up to that legacy of the teams in Rio and Tokyo.’

‘We are really hungry,’ he repeats.

Watch out world, there isn’t a more spectacular sight on a rugby pitch than a hungry Fijian 7s team.

As for Manu Samoa 7s’ chances, despite their poor season, there is new-found hope for a podium finish with the returns of captain fantastic, Va’afauese Apelu Maliko, Paul Scanlan, Alamanda Motuga and Steve Onosa’i. The team was not the same without them and their returns provide the Royal Blues with much-needed experience and attacking nous that has been seriously lacking in their absence. 

Coach Muliagatele Brian Lima’s team is known for its fitness, now they need that experience and attacking ability to guide them and anything is possible.

Do we dare to dream?

It’s the Olympics, of course we do!

- By Loveni S. Enari
Loveni is a Samoan journalist from the villages of Vaiala, Lepa, Nofoali'i and Safune.