World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont praised Team Fiji men’s rugby sevens head coach, Ben Ryan for his commitment and dedication to Fijian Rugby.

“It’s been fantastic for rugby sevens to be in the Olympics, just showcase our game and there is no need for me to tell the people in Fiji how good the rugby is because you all know how good the game of rugby is,” Beaumont said.

“Ben is an excellent coach, man that I know for a long time he’s been a good guy, he’s been successful.”

The game of rugby has been marketed well in this year’s Olympics.

“What has been done has taken the sport to a new market, South America and Japan in 2020 which is also good for the Asian market. How many Brazilians would know Fiji, now everybody knows Fiji.”

In his interview with SUNsports yesterday Beaumont said Fiji’s gold medal win in the Olympics, has backed World Rugby’s plan of developing the sport not only in Fiji but the region as well.

He strongly believes the importance of Tier One nations helping Pacific Island teams as far as fifteens rugby is concerned.

PACIFIC PLAN

Beaumont further stated that World Rugby is working on a plan to get Tier One nations travel in the Pacific and play the Pacific Island teams.

“Not only Fijian players are getting opportunity to travel overseas but they can also get an opportunity to play Tier 1 nations in their own island and that’s what we have been working on. I think the Tier 1 countries should go to the Pacific Islands.”

Beaumont was a former England captain that toured Fiji in 1979 and he says, the tour was a success and really enjoyed the trip.

“We really had a successful season when we came back. I’m extremely aware of Fijian rugby, its strength and how important rugby is in Fiji and also what Fiji has given to the rugby world.

“Fiji has given the world of rugby more than actually what the world of rugby has given back to Fiji and we need to look at that.”

WOMEN RUGBY

Beaumont has confirmed that part of World Rugby’s agenda is to assist the development of women rugby in the country. “Fiji women played really well, we need to work with the World Rugby board of directors then decide in conjunction with Fiji Rugby what direction they want to go in. So don’t worry women’s rugby is very much in the agenda,” he added.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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