Fiji Rugby Union

The Olympic gold medallist and former sevens captain replaces Ben Gollings, who was axed by the Fiji Rugby Union interim board of trustees last week, for “inability to meet the desired standards and expectations.

Kolinisau has four months to prepare the national side with the hope of winning Fiji’s third consecutive Olympic gold in France in July.

“My criteria are not based on experience and talent alone but fitness and training to the standard Fiji sevens is renowned for,” Kolinisau said from his home in Cunningham, outside Suva. 

He said rugby was a key national sport and united a nation.

Speaking at the opening of the FRU development workshop at the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji Monday,  Bainimarama said Fiji was blessed with a massive amount of local talent and resources.

He said provincial union leaders were the ones who would eventually take the Fijian brand of rugby to another level.