SINGAPORE – Fiji rugby sevens head coach Gareth Baber is confident that his charges can get back to winning ways after experiencing a post-Olympic hangover.

Their gold-medal win in Rio last August was the Pacific island nation’s first-ever Olympic medal, but the team has struggled after the high of making history.

Former coach Ben Ryan left the following month, with Baber only taking charge this January. A majority of the players moved on as well, with only three Olympians left in the squad that is in town for this weekend’s HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens tournament.

As a result, the ensuing struggles were “a natural outcome”, according to Baber, whose side finally picked up their first title in this season’s World Rugby Sevens series in Hong Kong last week after failing to do so in the previous six legs. Fiji have won the last two series.

“Some players moved on and went on to (get) new contracts in Europe, Australia and New Zealand,” Baber told TODAY on the sidelines of a clinic the team had with 50 students yesterday afternoon at the OCBC Arena. 

“Ben left straight after the Olympics, so there was no off season and they didn’t have the training they normally would have had. They really came into the beginning of this series with very little under their belt and then I come in and start changing things up as well, so is it (our slow start) a surprise?

Forward Jasa Veremalua, part of the team in Rio, agreed: “I guess we had to reconnect again (with a new team). We didn’t do well at the beginning of this series, but (victory in) Hong Kong has lifted the spirits of the young players.”

(The Fiji team celebrating their win in Hong Kong last week. Photo: Getty Images)

Baber pinpointed consistency as the main challenge in his efforts to get Fiji back to the top, while he also aims to improve their defence. It is no mean feat trying to shape a side in a role that comes with heavy expectations, but the Welshman is relishing the challenge.

“I feel the pressure, obviously, but what is in my head is making sure that the players are performing to the level that I’ve seen (from them) in training, time and again,” the 44-year-old said.

“That is exactly what we are after as coaches. When you get onto that road, then it (winning games) almost starts to take care of itself.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, it’s been tough at times but I’ve got a clear vision of what I want to do and I know I’ve got a stock of players who can do that.”

Those goals include doing well at the Commonwealth Games and Rugby Sevens World Cup next year, with the long-term aim being to retain their Olympic crown in Tokyo in 2020.

Veremalua is encouraged by what he has seen over the past few months and believes the team is starting to gel.

“The young players have been bouncing back and challenging the others for their positions,” the 28-year-old said. 

“We are confident (of getting better) and there is still time to prepare for next year and the 2020 Olympics.”

For now, the Fijians will try to extend their winning form from Hong Kong into the Singapore Sevens. Last year, the tournament favourites reached the final but suffered an upset loss to Kenya.

“I try to guide the younger ones, as a senior player, and they are coping well,” Veremalua said. 

“Last week, they achieved something and we will try to maintain the momentum.”

*Visit www.singapore7s.sg for more information about the event.*