Fiji’s 2016 Olympic gold medal winning coach Ben Ryan says he is pleased to see his captain Osea Kolinisau being given the coaching reigns of the national team.
Ryan in a social media post said it’s never nice to see someone lose their job so it wasn’t appropriate for him to comment on the recent changes in Fiji 7s but things move fast in sport and with Hong Kong 7s around the corner – he wanted to just say a couple of things.
“Firstly – I’m so pleased to see Osea coaching the team that is in his heart. I love this man. He was always a player that I thought would be a great coach and leader too – discipline and fitness twinned with enjoying the game you love underpinning his strong beliefs around working together – Vei Lomani.”
“He hasn’t had long with the team and as you all know – there will be sunshine and showers ahead but I can’t wait to see it all unfold over the next few months.”
Ryan has also applauded the appointment of Gareth Baber.
“The FRU with Peter Mazey have also been smart to bring in Gareth to add his skills and talents to the men’s and women’s programmes and also to have B-J Mather on island as the General Manager.”
“I have known B-J for a while and outside of being an International league and Union player – he’s a really smart guy with a lot of world class experience that wants to do all he can to help the Fijian teams and coaches.”
“All of these top people need our support to give the teams their best crack at medals in Paris.”
“I’ll be in London cheering them on next weekend – Toso Viti, Toso.”
Meanwhile the Fiji Men’s and Women’s teams departed for Hong Kong yesterday to get settled in early for the tournament.
