Fiji 7s guru Ben Ryan, who led the country to their first ever Olympic gold medal, will be joining the 15s format with the island side in England. Photo / Photosport
Fiji 7s guru Ben Ryan, who led the country to their first ever Olympic gold medal, will be joining the 15s format with the island side in England. Photo / Photosport
Ben Ryan might want to put any plans on hold for that gifted land in Fiji after critising the Fiji Rugby Union over its treatment of sevene players drew a sharp response from the FRU.
Ryan coached Fiji to the nation's first Olympic gold at the Rio Games this year.He was given a three-acre plot of land in Fiji following the victory and along with hero-like status on the island.
After the Cape Town Sevens yesterday where Fiji narrowly lost to England in the quarter-finals, Ryan praised the display by the Fiji side but criticised the FRU for failing to give contracts to the players who took part in the opening two rounds of the Sevens World Series.
"A fantastic effort by Fiji at @CapeTown7s @WorldRugby7sseries. FRU - please start paying these amazing men. No one contracted again," Ryan, now based in London, tweeted.
A fantastic effort by Fiji at @CapeTown7s @WorldRugby7s series. FRU - please start paying these amazing men. No one contracted again.
The FRU responded with a statement issued which said Ryan "has chosen to move on to other challenges which we respect and all have accepted but it seems it is difficult for him to move on."
In addition, the FRU voiced its frustration at Ryan's "constant remarks... and his ongoing tweets about the performance of the team".
Ryan hit back.
"What a ridiculously childish statement. I've only said positive things about everyone and one tweet that tells the truth hits a chord," he tweeted.
"Ps @fijirugby If you want me to step back perhaps you should extend the gesture and remove my photo from your top banner on your website!"
What a ridiculously childish statement. I've only said positive things about everyone and one tweet that tells the truth hits a chord. https://t.co/Id50UdoWhn
