Vodafone Fijian 7s coach Ben Ryan approached the New Zealander to assist him prepare the team for the 2016 Rio Olympics

The local passion for 7s rugby has brought Abu Dhabi-based personal trainer Jeremy Manning to Fiji.

Vodafone Fijian 7s coach Ben Ryan approached the New Zealander to assist him prepare the team for the 2016 Rio Olympics after his involvement as a kicking coach during the World Sevens Series.

“I think the Fijian passion and their love for the game is something I’ve never experienced before,” Manning said.

“I’m not playing the game so to see the raw emotion of the boys going through the training and their game is simply fantastic.”

Despite not having the best resources compared to other big teams vying for the same goal at the Rio Olympics, Manning said he was impressed with how far the Osea Kolinisau –captained side had progressed.

“Obviously Fiji is not right up there with the resources but they do amazing things with what they have and now Fiji is number one in the world.

“It’s fantastic to see this and I love working with them as well as the Telecom Fijiana side,” he said.

Edited by Osea Bola

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