Fiji sevens head coach Ben Ryan enjoys a close affiliation with the Dubai Rugby Sevens and admits he has a special place in his heart for Abu Dhabi Harlequins.
It was at the Dubai Sevens three years ago that the Englishman won his first tournament in charge of the Pacific Island nation. Fiji broke New Zealand’s four-year stranglehold on the World Sevens Series last season by claiming the title for the first time in nine years and Ryan is now eying Olympic Games gold as sevens makes its debut in Rio de Janeiro in nine months’ time.
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Not everything appeared as rosy for Ryan during the early days of his tenure, however. His appointment coincided with the Fijian Rugby Union’s (FRU) well documented financial problems and the 44-year-old voluntarily went unpaid for the first four months of his contract. It was during this difficult bedding-in period that the seeds of the relationship with Quins were sewn.
“I wanted the team to come over here (in 2013) early and we didn’t have any money,” said Ryan. “It was the worst financial period in Fiji’s history and Abu Dhabi Harlequins thankfully came in and provided us with some finances.
“We’ve got an awesome relationship with Harlequins. They were a bit of a lucky charm three years ago and since then we’ve got this relationship that’s blossomed.
“The boys look forward to coming here, it’s a nice landing zone for us away from Dubai with some friendly faces. We love the UAE and particularly coming here.”
Ryan and Fiji were in the capital on Sunday night, getting in some early practice ahead of the Dubai Sevens, the inaugural round of the 2015-16 World Series that gets underway on Thursday.
They played several friendly games against various Quins teams, as well as a game of touch against a team of students from the British School Al Khubairat. It is this unique community spirit that exists in rugby which makes it so special and one Ryan will always associate with Harlequins.
“Community is everything in rugby,” said Ryan. “It’s important to retain those links so we’re very grateful to Harlequins. It’s a lovely rugby club with some lovely people.”
Quins head coach Mike McFarlane cut an animated and often frustrated figure on the sidelines considering it was a warm-up, but he lauded the evening as great experience for his side who are defending Gulf Men’s League champions.
“Defending World Sevens Series champions against defending Dubai Sevens champions, it was like the Community Shield in football. There’s not many times that comes around,” said McFarlane. “It’s a great opportunity and the boys are buzzing afterwards and it’s an experience you can’t replicate.”
In one of the games, Quins actually took the lead against the world champions, Sam Bolger finishing off a exquisite move, which seemed to anger Ryan’s men, who went on to win 45-5.
“We kept the ball for periods of time against them which is a big ask and scored the opening try too, at one point we actually led the world champions,” said McFarlane, who thinks Fiji will be among the favourites this weekend at The Sevens.
“They’re phenomenal athletes, speed, precision, footwork. There’s power with the pace which is near on unmatchable,” he added. “It’s a brilliant learning curve for us.”
*Fiji received financial help from club sponsors Prosperity.
