Dubai: Ben Ryan, the coach of defending Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens champions Fiji, has said his charges are eagerly anticipating returning to The Sevens stadium next month after their tremendous run of success in the past couple of months.
The South Sea Islanders have triumphed at both the Oceania 7s and round one of the HSBC Sevens World Series at Australia’s Gold Coast last month.
On being billed as favourites for the Dubai leg from December 4 to 6, former England coach Ryan said the hype was understandable because of their form.
“It was great to win the Oceania 7s and the first leg of the world series on the Gold Coast. And what makes it even better is that we did it with two different teams.
“All that was achieved under a cloud of financial issues and a loss of key players. Only one player remained from the side that went to the Gold Coast 12 months ago. We have the depth but it’s not bottomless, and it still takes time, resources and effort for a player to come into the squad and get to the level of fitness and discipline required.”
The standout performer for Fiji in Dubai last year was Samisoni Viriviri, who was signed by French club Montpellier in the summer.
Ryan said losing him and a number of other players was potentially crippling, adding: “It’s obviously very hard to replace the first Fijian to be named world player of the year. On top of that, we have lost our regular centre, hooker and prop from last season.
“Of the side that won in Dubai last year, probably only two players remain. Some have missed out on form, but most have left to go overseas. We have lost more players than any other of the top six by a large margin.
“Five of our regular six that played nearly all the tournaments last year are unavailable. The team is training hard on the island, taking the fitness-test results to the next level and working hard for each other. It is pleasing.”
The Dubai Rugby Sevens will be a key milestone on the path to 2016 Olympic Games qualification, and Ryan emphasised how critical it is to retain his players, saying: “The Olympics have given us a different focus. I want the players to stay on the island, keep a core group together and get better and better.
“The rewards for them after the Olympics will be overseas contracts, but right now all eyes are on qualification, and beyond that on the team staying together. For me, my focus is simple: getting Fiji in the top four for automatic qualification is part one, and part two is going to Rio and helping the side win a gold medal.”
Gary Chapman, President Group Services and dnata, Emirates Group, said: “Fiji have been performing brilliantly recently, and their results are even more impressive given the disruptions they have had to their team structure and preparations.
“They are incredibly entertaining to watch and we look forward to seeing them in action again as they attempt to defend the trophy they won in Dubai last year. Their attendance is sure to provide some of the highlights of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens this year.”
