Ex-England 7s star Ben Gollings appointed head coach of Fiji

Former England Sevens star Ben Gollings has been appointed the new head coach of the Fijian Sevens team.

Gollings takes over from Olympic gold-winning head coach Gareth Baber, who has taken up a position with Edinburgh.

Chief Executive Officer of the FRU John O'Connor confirmed that appointment, saying that Gollings had stood out in the interviews and that the Board and Management are confident that the former Harlequins nine is the best person to take on the challenges ahead for the Olympic Gold Medalists.

Gollings will take up the role from the 1st January and says he is excited and honored to have been appointed as the Fijian 7s head coach.

“We had many great battles when I was playing over the years but since I have shifted into coaching, I think it’s no better opportunity to coach the World’s best team in the 7s arena," Gollings said of his appointment. "I am thankful to Fiji Rugby for giving me the opportunity to coach this team and am looking forward to working with the exceptional group of boys in Fiji. The immediate focus of the course is towards the HBSC Sevens Series, Commonwealth Games and the Sevens World Cup next year in South Africa” said Gollings.

“Winning two Gold Medal back-to-back is something special and I know it’s a big challenge to take on but I believe that my passion for the game meets the passion of the nation so if we can match the two together and enhance the talent in Fiji then we could achieve our ultimate goals in the coming years.”

“I was in Dubai during the first two legs, and I got to watch the Fijian 7s performance live. Obviously, it’s a very new look team so I think my first real focus is just to observe and have really important conversations and start building some key relationships, understanding and the way they have been training so that I really push on the right button,” concluded Gollings.