21 Sep 2013

Sport: Ben Ryan named as new Fiji sevens coach

6:17 am on 21 September 2013

Former England coach Ben Ryan has been appointed as the new Fiji sevens head coach for the next three years.

The 42 year old Ryan stepped down as England boss last month after six years at the helm.

Vinnie Wylie reports.

"Ben Ryan had been out of work since leaving his England job, with reports suggesting he was going to be asked to re-apply for the post. Ryan is expected to be in Fiji in time for the International Sevens tournament in Suva next month. He will then take charge of the national team for the opening leg of the IRB World Series on the Gold Coast, where Fiji are two-time defending champions. Ryan will then return to England and move back to Fiji with his family before the start of the Dubai tournament. His appointment is for three years up until and including the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. As part of his role, he will also be required to develop local coaches and the seven-a-side game as a whole throughout the country."