Vodafone Fiji 7s Coach Gareth Baber has confirmed Osea Kolinisau will not be involved with the Fiji team for the Dubai 7s.
Baber has wished the Olympic Games winning captain well following his signing with the Houston Strikers in the US.
He says Kolinisau’s contract details with the US rugby club are yet to be communicated to him.
With the announcement of Kolinisau’s departure there is now opportunity for the players within the team’s leadership group to step up.
Baber says some of the players that are in the leadership group are Jerry Tuwai, Vatemo Ravouvou and Mesulame Kunavula.
Houston Strikers head coach Justin Fitzpatrick says Kolinisau is a player with a bucket load of individual ability which is well documented for those familiar with the World Sevens Series.
@HoustonStrikers are pleased to announce the signing of @fijirugby 7s Olympic Gold Medal winning captain @oseakolinisau #thefutureisbright pic.twitter.com/GPhrH8RR2a
— Strikers Rugby (@HoustonStrikers) July 25, 2017
Fitzpatrick adds that Kolinisau has a wealth of experience of leading and performing at the highest levels which will add great value to the Strikers.
He thanked his former Ulster team mate Joe Veitayaki for introducing him to Coach Ben Ryan and helping with the flow of their conversation about Kolinisau.
