Ben Ryan is revered in Fiji, almost as much as the players that won the Pacific Island nation its first ever Olympic medal.
The fact that the medal was gold, won in stunning style, makes it all the better.
Ryan has been lauded in Fiji, and the world over for that matter, since helping the Sevens side blitz all comers and win gold at Rio 2016.
The Englishman has been awarded the Companion of Order of Fiji, which may or may not include free parking in Suva for life, and given a three-acre plot of land on the island’s scenic Coral Coast.
It’s not your average plot of land either – it includes several steepling waterfalls and a MOUNTAIN!
He is also accorded ‘Chief’ status after being awarded the title of Ratu.
Ryan may need to hire help to tend to his new plot of land for a while. He is taking a break from coaching for a while. There have been coaching offers from Super Rugby but the Prime Minister of Fiji is trying to arrange a passport for his wife, Natalie, so she can work in the country. Ryan commented:
“If the passport comes that means suddenly she’s allowed to work here and that’s the sort of thing that might mean we have a return here. The Prime Minister had spoken to me about that, I just need to send him some confirmation that I want it and they will activate it.
“So yeah, if I can get that before I leave that will be pretty awesome, and if I do come back it will make things so much simpler for permit and visas for me and my wife.”
The new GAA Hour football podcast is here. Listen to Colm Parkinson, Senan Connell, and Barry Cahill dissect a classic between Dublin and Kerry. Subscribe here on iTunes.
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