The crowd cheered when Olympic gold medal winning Fiji men’s rugby sevens team captain Osea Kolinisau apologised on behalf of the players who missed out the celebration at Subrail Park in Labasa yesterday.

While addressing the crowd Kolinisau asked the Northerners to forgive them.

“I know you expected all the players to be in Labasa and on behalf of them and the management I would like to ask you for forgiveness,” Kolinisau said.

He said some of the players could not attend the celebration because they had commitment with their contracts with their clubs.

Some he said would be leaving either this weekend or next week Monday.

“Please do forgive us.”

The crowd immediately responded saying that they had forgiven them.

Kolinisau thanked the Lord Almighty who was the author and the finisher of their victory.

He said they always recited the bible verse, Philippians chapter four verse 13 – “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us

Through Christ we have achieved what we wanted as a nation.”

Kolinisau thanked the Prime Minister and his Government for the tremendous support they offered the team.

“Sir, I hope the win at Rio can reciprocate the tremendous support that you have rendered to the boys.’

He thanked all the sponsors, the Road to Rio committee, all individuals and business houses who had contributed financially for the trip to Rio.

Without their help he said they would not able to win gold for the nation.

“To all the staff and board members of Fiji Rugby Union and to those who worked behind the scene, thank you.”

Kolinisau thanked the religious organisation for fasting and praying and said their support was invaluable.

He also thanked the 24 players who had started the journey to Rio.

“I thank Isake Katonibau, Pio Tuwai, Josua Vici, Jarryd Hayne in Australia and all the players.”

The winning captain thanked them for their contribution to the gold medal win.

These players according to Kolinisau had spent six weeks at Uprising.’

“Like Ben Ryan always said we were blessed in Fiji that we have enormous support.”

Speaking in Macuata dialect to cheer the crowd, Kolinisau once again thanked the Northerners for attending the celebration.

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