Fiji coach Ben Gollings, second left, gestures during the HSBC Rugby Sevens semi-final cup match between Fiji and New Zealand in Singapore on April 9, 2023. Photo: Roslan RAHMAN / AFP
Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has sacked its national men's sevens team coach for his "inability to meet the desired standards and expectations".
The FRU Trustees Board chairman Peter Mazey said Englishman Ben Gollings will be replaced by former Fiji 7s captain and Olympic gold medallist Osea Kolinisau.
"After careful consideration and the unanimous agreement with all my trustees, Fiji Rugby has decided to part ways with Ben Gollings," FRU Trustees Board chairman Peter Mazey said at a news conference in Suva on Friday.
"This is due to his inability to meet the desired standards and expectations set forth by the organisation and within his contract."
Gollings, who was a star player for England, has failed to gain a tournament win for Fiji at the World Rugby Sevens Series in 19 outings.
Calls for his sacking increased as time went on, with even Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka speaking out, asking the rugby union to take action this week.
Mazey said while Golling's contribution was appreciated, the union believes that a fresh perspective and expertise is required to achieve optimal performance on the international stage.
Mazey said Fiji has to prioritise its ultimate goal of winning medals in sevens rugby at the Paris Olympics.
"In line with this commitment to excellence, I am now very pleased to announce the appointment of Osea Kolinisau as the new head coach of the Fijian sevens team.
"He brings with him a wealth of experience and we all know him well and a proven track record of success at the highest levels of competition , including being captain of our team that won the first gold medal Fiji has at the Olympics."
He said the FRU is confidence that Kolinisau will provide the leadership, guidance and strategic direction necessary to elevate the performance of the team.
Kolinisau will be supported by a new coaching team.
