Fiji rugby

Fiji to bid for World Sevens leg

Mr Bainimarama made the announcement at a gala dinner marking the one-year anniversary of Fiji's historic win at last year's Olympic Games in Rio.

He said Fiji has been known as one of the finest exponents of running sevens rugby for decades and had become a dominant force on the international stage.

However, he bemoaned the fact the country didn't currently have a major international Sevens event placing them properly on the world stage.

"We do not have a major Sevens event that befits our position as Olympic Men's Rugby 7s Champions," Mr Bainimarama said.

Fiji 7s coach says captain's departure an "opportunity" for others

The 31-year-old signed a multi-year contract to play for the Houston Strikers in the inaugural Major League Rugby competition in the United States.

Kolinisau debuted in Dubai in 2008 and captained Fiji in two World Series titles and the Olympic gold medal in Rio last year.

Gareth Baber said he had been kept in the loop about his skipper's plans.

Jarryd Hayne hints at Fijian return

Hayne has all but committed to suit up for Fiji in the World Cup, having represented the Island nation for four matches before a breakout NRL season with Parramatta in 2009 saw him garner the attention of Australian selectors. 

The Gold Coast Titans' fullback has represented both Fiji and Australia at World Cups, in 2008 and 2013 respectively, with 12 tries and a winner's medal to his name.

However, with the depth of young Australian talent coming through, Hayne believes his time in the green and gold might be up.

Senirusi Seruvakula appointed coach of Fijian NRC rugby team

He has spent the past three years as head coach of the Fiji Warriors, who successfully defended the Pacific Rugby Challenge earlier this year, beating Tonga A, Junior Japan and Samoa A.

FRU Chief Executive Officer John O'Connor said that following extensive interviews with all the applicants, which were conducted by the FRU and World Rugby and after further consultations with World Rugby they had selected the best applicant for the job," he said.

Fiji 7s captain Osea Kolinisau signs for US-based team

The 31-year-old made his debut for the Fiji sevens team in 2008 and led them to back to back World Series titles in 2015 and 2016 and sevens gold at last year's Rio Olympics.

"I'm thankful to the Lord and the Strikers management for this exciting opportunity to be a part of the Houston Strikers Rugby family. I'm looking forward to the new challenge," explained Kolinisau.

Osea Kolinisau captained Fiji to sevens gold at the Rio Olympics.

Flying Fijians fix focus on World Cup

The Flying Fijians won their third straight Pacific Nations Cup title at the weekend after thrashing Samoa 38-16 in Apia.

That result came a week after they secured the Oceania One berth for the 2019 World Cup, putting them in Pool D alongside Australia, Wales, Georgia and a qualifier.

John McKee said it was important they maintained their standards and did not drop just because their main goal had been achieved.

Fiji honours rugby 7s team with banknote

The seven dollar banknote and fifty cent coin celebrates the team's victory at last year's Rio Olympics.

Fiji's prime minister Frank Bainimarama launched the tender last night saying rugby is an intimate part of Fiji's collective identity.

The note features pictures of the team, its coach Ben Ryan and captain Osea Kolinisau.

The coin depicts Ben Ryan sitting on the beach and the team on the reverse.

 

Photo: Facebook/ Fiji Government

Fiji complete Hong Kong 7s three-peat

The Fijians dominated South Africa 22-0 in the final, helped by two tries from Kalione Nasoko.

Fiji has now won five of the last six tournaments in Hong Kong.

Captain Osea Kolinisau acknowledged the successful history but told World Rugby it didn't play a big part in their build-up this week.

"We weren't focusing on doing it three times," Kolinisau said.

"We said that we were going to take it as if we were searching for [our] first title in the series and I am glad that everybody was up to par and everybody did their job."

NZ wary of Fiji threat at Hong Kong

The two old rivals are in the same pool, alongside Wales and Japan.

Waldrom said Wales were a side with speed and a huge work-rate while Japan would gain an insight into the Kiwi camp, having former New Zealand assistant coach and player Damian Karauna at the helm.

However, Waldrom said Fiji could well be the team to beat at the tournament.

"Fiji has just been on fire the last few years," he said.

"They love being in Hong Kong, that's why they are the team that has won the most tournaments in Hong Kong.

Veremalua, Katonibau bolster Fiji 7s squad

Fiji is third in the competition standings after six of ten rounds, 26 points behind runaway leaders South Africa, but will arrive in Hong Kong as defending champions.

"I know and understand what the Hong Kong Sevens means to Fiji and the Fijian people and I have selected a team that I believe will be able to compete with the other top teams," said Fiji head coach Gareth Baber.