Fiji’s champion weapon

It’s hard enough to beat Fiji on their own in the abbreviated code of rugby.

But when you add a World Champion coach in the form of Ben Ryan to the mix, the task becomes a lot harder.

Which is precisely what Samoa and the other contenders for the Commonwealth Youth Games Sevens title will be up against when the rugby kicks off at Apia Park this afternoon.

The Fiji team have brought Ben Ryan as their Head coach for the boys and girls’ teams, with an eye on the future of Sevens in Fiji.

The Samoa Observer caught up with the Englishman yesterday.

“I came to this event four years ago with the England to Junior Commonwealth Games and we were lucky enough to win a gold medal,” he said.

“This time, it was a chance to spend some time with the other sports in Fiji and hang out with the coaches and the athletes.

“It’s also a chance to spend some time with our younger players and to show them that there is a connection between the main Fiji team and the under 18 boys and girls Sevens team.”

Ryan has been in Samoa since the beginning of the week. During the weekend, he had the opportunity to visit a few places, including a game of golf Fagali’i on Sunday.

“I have had a great time so far on two levels really,” he said. “That is hanging out with the Fiji teams and the other sports and also coming to Samoa for the first time and seeing what a beautiful place this is. The people are brilliant.”

Asked for his thoughts on today’s Sevens contest, Ryan said Fiji will always back themselves. He said the team has had a couple of weeks training and that has helped immensely.

“So we managed to influence their fitness so their fitness is pretty high,” said Ryan.

“I have two players that will probably be close to our national side in the future and I hope a few others that will get professional contracts overseas.

“So this is a good side. But I think we have a tough pool because they have to come in the top two.

“Australia and Samoa are both in our pool and they are both potential gold medal winners as well.”

Having said that, Ryan said his team is here to win.

“The other side of the groups are pretty easy for England and South Africa but we will have a big battle.

I think all our games will be really tight,” he said.

“Once we get into the semi finals, I think we will have a good chance for a gold medal.”

Ryan is also confident about their girls’ team.

“The girls have only been playing for a few weeks we’ve taken them from track and field and netball and hockey and they have a lot of fun in learning the game,” he said.

“We’ve got some real talent and it will take time for them to learn the tricks and the trade of rugby but certainly there’s a couple that I think will be in our Fijiana extended squad when we finish this tournament. “If they can get a bronze medal, that will be amazing.”

Lastly, Ryan wanted to thank the people of Samoa for their hospitality.

“I just want to say thank you to the organizers of the Youth Commonwealth Games and also to the people of Samoa,” he said.

“From the officers to the staff to the guys I have met on the streets and to the police officers that have been asking for my photos, it’s been amazing.

“I’ve also had the chance to go in and see the Rugby Union and meet all the people there.

“I wasn’t really sure about what to expect in Samoa and I have lots of Samoan friends that I have played rugby with but I have never been here.

“Now that I am here, it’s a beautiful place, its really chilled out and a safe place to be. I hope this will not be my only time I get to taste the Samoan culture.

“So thank you from me but also on behalf of the Fijian team. We’ve all had a great time.”