Rugby Hive is pleased to share the news released today that all-time 7s points leader, former England International Ben Gollings has been appointed to the Fiji 7s head coach role after a lengthy recruitment process. Gollings, who has been spending his retirement coaching both at home in Australia and abroad, and who believes strongly in growing the game in tier two and three nations, has signed on with the top team for three years.
Of the appointment, Gollings says, "I'm very honoured to have been appointed. They are one of the greatest teams in Rugby 7s and I'm excited to be able to work with them. 7s is a part of their DNA in Fiji, and they have shown that with back-to-back Olympic Golds. Personally, I have been working toward this moment and am ready to embrace it. It comes at a time when my wife Lauren is due to give birth any minute," says Gollings, proudly. He adds: "As well as this incredible appointment, I'm very excited about that too. I can't thank Lauren and my family enough for the support they give that enables me to do what I love."
After presenting the Fiji Rugby Union thoroughly laid out plans for upcoming tournaments including the Commonwealth Games, World Cup, HSBC 7s Series, and also looking ahead to the Olympic Games, Gollings impressed. FRU CEO John O'Connor shared that "Ben is the best person to take on the challenges that are ahead of us to take the Olympic Gold medal winners to even greater heights."
The rise of the Flying Fijians has been celebrated world-wide, with many following the team and their progress more closely since the Rio Olympics in 2016 when they captured their first Olympic gold and the world's hearts. Fiji's supporters are widely known for being the greatest and most supportive on tour. Gollings is joining the most storied program on the circuit, and feels up to the challenge. He's ready to bring his experience and expertise to the program, and cannot wait to learn alongside his team in the New Year. He begins his role January 1, 2022.
Rugby Hive partner, former Canadian International and fellow coach-of-the-world Robin MacDowell, offers his congratulations to his friend and colleague. "Having had the opportunity to compete against this proven winner in our playing days on the World Series, and then watching him develop into a well-rounded world-class coach, I could not be more thrilled for Ben to get an opportunity to lead the world's greatest Sevens nation!"
Fellow Hive teammate and former opponent Dallen Stanford echoes MacDowell's sentiments. ""One of the most iconic players of all-time, and now coaching one of the most iconic 7s nations in history! I'm so excited to see what Ben will do with the Fijian side, and very happy for him to be back on the Sevens World Series in this massive role." As per Stanford's signature commentary style, he adds: "I will definitely have some one-liners ready when I commentate his games!"
The Rugby Hive could not be more pleased to celebrate this appointment with Ben Gollings and his family, and all of us look forward to watching he and his new team take on the world when the HSBC World Series resumes in the New Year. From all of us at the Hive, heartfelt congratulations go out to our friend and colleague.
Karen L. Gasbarino, December, 2021
Rugby Hive Editor
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