Now the onus is on Baber to name his captain.

It’s going to be a big decision and whatever player he chooses should be given our full support.

We all know that Osea Kolinisau has sealed the deal with Houston Strikers and is set to play in the Major League Rugby competition in the United States.

But the question everyone’s asking; is who is going to replace him as the new captain of the Vodafone Fijian 7s team?

To take-up Kolinisau’s role, is not an easy task at all. Over the years, he has bravely led the team from the front and has commanded the respect of his team mates.

Under Kolinisau’s leadership the team have twice won the World Rugby’s World Sevens Series and the historic Olympic Games gold medal win in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last year.

On his departure, the onus is on head coach Gareth Baber to select his captain for the 2017-18 World Sevens Series, 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia, followed by the Sevens Rugby World Cup in San Francisco.

Already, the Welshman has a few players to choose from.

Top on the list is halfback Seremaia Tuwai. It’s believed that Tuwai was considered to captain the side during one of the final tournaments of the 2016-17 Series, but the Cakaudrove native opted to hold back and allow Kolinisau to lead and complete the series.

Also, notably Tuwai has stepped-up in his role and is leading the young players by example.

Another possible contender is playmaker Vatemo Ravouvou who like Tuwai knows what is needed to be done when under pressure.

In the forwards, Jasa Veremalua cannot be ruled out for the captaincy’s job. However, the former Red Rock captain needs to improve on his form if he is to be a serious contender.

On an interesting note, let’s not rule out an outside choice. And for that let’s not be surprised if former Fijian 7s captain and Flying Fijians winger Sireli Bobo gets the nod.

The veteran speedster is known for his no-nonsense stand for discipline and is well-respected in the rugby fraternity- not only here but abroad as well.

Despite retiring from playing in the French Top 14 competition, Bobo was in devastating form during the Fiji Bitter Mokani 7s in Tailevu last month and this week in the presence of Baber was training with a group of young players in Toorak, Suva.

Now the onus is on Baber to name his captain.

It’s going to be a big decision. Whatever player he chooses, should be given our full support as he has a mammoth task ahead of him.

Feedback: leone.cabenatabua@fijisun.com.fj