Baby Delays  Ben’s Arrival

The arrival of the new extension to Ben Goll­ings’ family is the reason of the national sev­ens head coach’s delayed arrival from Bris­bane.

Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer John O’Connor confirmed yesterday, that Gollings who was supposed to have touched down yesterday in Nadi, is now arriving in the weekend.

“Rugby commitments and engagements have been keeping the globetrotting rugby sensation away from his family. This time he wants to be with his wife at delivery,” O”Connor said.

“We understand his situation. Ben Gollings as head sevens coach has been already working and involved with Suliasi Fuli on a daily basis via zoom,” he said.

“He is already involved in the training plans and programmes and at the same time talking to players via zoom.

Olympic bronze winning Fijiana sevens coach Fuli was tasked to coach both sides to the two HBSC out­ing in Dubai late last year with the vacant position of head sevens coach.

England’s former rugby sevens ace Gollings was appointed in December last year to coach double Olympic champions Fiji for three years.

The 41-year-old finished his international career for England as a player in 2011, scoring 2652 points - which remains the record for a sevens World Series player.

While O’Connor could not disclose other details about the Gollings’ new family member he confirmed that once the sevens coach is done with quarantine he will join the players prior departure for the HBSC Malaga, Spain series.

“His family remain in Brisbane, while he comes over to take the men’s team for the Malaga sevens,” O’Connor said.

“Arrangements are in place for his family to finally move over to Fiji.”

Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj