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Ben Ryan
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Sevens Heaven: The Beautiful Chaos of Fiji's Olympic Dream: WINNER OF THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019 Kindle Edition

by Ben Ryan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,027 ratings
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SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2018

The uplifting, feel-good autobiography of Ben Ryan, the coach of the Olympic gold-medal winning Fijian rugby team

It is late summer 2013. Ben Ryan, a red-haired, 40-something, spectacle-wearing Englishman, is given 20 minutes to decide whether he wants to coach Fiji's rugby sevens team, with the aim of taking them to the nation's first-ever Olympic medal. He has never been to Fiji. There has been no discussion of contracts or salary. But he knows that no one plays rugby like the men from these isolated Pacific islands, just as no one plays football like the kids from the Brazilian favelas, or no one runs as fast as the boys and girls from Jamaica's boondocks. He knows too that no other rugby nation has so little - no money and no resources, only basic equipment and a long, sad history of losing its most gifted players to richer, greedier nations.

Ryan says yes. And with that simple word he sets in motion an extraordinary journey that will encompass witchdoctors and rugby-obsessed prime ministers, sun-smeared dawns and devastating cyclones, intense friendships and bitter rows, phone taps and wild nationwide parties. It will end in Rio with a performance that not only wins Olympic gold but reaches fresh heights for rugby union and makes Ben and his 12 players living legends back home.

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  1. Print length
    321 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Weidenfeld & Nicolson
  5. Publication date
    May 31, 2018
  6. File size
    8558 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

'Sevens Heaven, the story of how English coach Ben Ryan took the Fiji sevens side to Olympic gold, is the best rugby book I've ever read (I don't say that lightly) and as good as any sports book, from Mailer to Plimpton to Hauser, I've encountered in the almost sixty years since I got a Terry McLean '59 Lions tour book for Christmas. It's so good because it reads at times like a noir novel, and is stunningly open and honest. We know how the rugby ended, but Ryan's book is so gripping to tell you any other plot twists might spoil it for you'―Phil Gifford

'An engrossing account of a remarkable story'―Will Macpherson, Evening Standard

'An excellent read covering a brilliant journey'―Sir Clive Woodward

'Brutally honest . . . A moving, candid tale of a coach taking the plunge with a rugby ball as his only buoyancy aid'―Joe Short, Daily Express

'You'll struggle to read a more compelling rugby story than this . . . heartily recommended'―Robert Kitson, Guardian rugby correspondent

'One of the all-time great sporting tales . . . Good things happen to good people'―George Gregan

'So many beautiful, provocative postcard descriptions of Fiji alongside fascinating, honest insights and humble lessons and truths'―Nick Heath, commentator

'We always knew a book by Ben Ryan wouldn't be dull, but Sevens Heaven surpasses all expectations. The Londoner's "three years of enlightenment" in the South Pacific makes such enthralling reading that I unhesitatingly call this one of the best rugby books ever written'―Alan Pearey, Rugby World

'Entertaining and insightful'―The Rugby Paper

About the Author

Ben Ryan is one of the most successful rugby coaches in the history of the game, and the man who took Fiji to rugby sevens Olympic gold in Rio 2016. It was the island nation's first Olympic medal of any colour, and was recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the best male team performance at the 2016 Games. Ben, coach of England's sevens team from 2006 to 2013, also took Fiji to two Sevens World Series titles, and after the team's triumph in Brazil became Chief in the province of Serua as well as being awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the nation's highest order. He is now a consultant to various leading sports organisations and companies around the world.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0784H9Q2M
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Weidenfeld & Nicolson (May 31, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 31, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8558 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 321 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,027 ratings

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Ben Ryan

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
1,027 global ratings
An epic journey, A must READ
5 Stars
An epic journey, A must READ
I knew I was going to love this book when I heard Ben was writing it. It is absoultely thrilling and goes in depth about his journey with Fiji rugby and something we now feel part of. The details from his first phone call with FRU to the epic moments of Rio glory have been moments we all have been waiting to hear about. Thank you Ben!
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Top reviews from the United States

tleonard
5.0 out of 5 stars Ben Knows Fiji
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2022
Verified Purchase
Ben writes a very compelling story of his adventure with the Fiji Sevens and their trip to Rio to collect the gold. I recognized early into the story why he was a success. Rather than joining the ex-pat crowd in Fiji, he got to know the players, and their families, and the Fijian Culture. With that he was able to understand how to motivate the team that comes from such a different background. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji and I can relate to so many of his stories on the way that the Fijian way of life, their values, are different than what we experience in the US or in the UK. It is also a killer rugby story, with a foregone ending, but the journey is epic.
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Chris McAlpine
5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the best sports book I have ever read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful journey, expressing that which is the Fiji way and inspired by outwardly the most unlikely coach.
The compassion and intelligence of Ben Ryan is soon evident but the courage and generosity is a common thread even after Rio.
How one “ginga” Englishmen can give an impoverished nation their finest hour makes a delightful story which has been superbly written.
2 people found this helpful
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Cuthbert King Chanetsa
5.0 out of 5 stars Fiji's unique "talent" for rugby
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2023
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This is the touching backstory behind the talent for Sevens rugby residing naturally in so many Fijians. Everybody's best, if not second best Sevens team.
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Marjorie
5.0 out of 5 stars A human, sensitive, necessary narrative about Fiji's Olympic dream
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2018
Verified Purchase
While a lot has been said and published about Fiji's Olympic dream coming true, Ben Ryan's account in Sevens Heaven is the only one able to provide all the human, heartfelt, serendipitous details that make this story so special. I would highly recommend this book not only for rugby fans, but for anyone who believes sport is about more than the money and the spectacle.
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Daniel Ravia
5.0 out of 5 stars For Fans of Fiji Rugby
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2018
Verified Purchase
I love how this book came sooner then expected in great condition, and with a book mark!!

I loved the book. As a fan of Rugby 7s and Fiji 7s I was blown away at the content. Ben Ryan really helped me understand a lot of what happened behind the scenes of what He faced and what it took to help the Fiji 7s team win back to back series champions and the gold medal at the Rio Olympic. It’s an awesome book and you should buy!!
2 people found this helpful
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Ofa
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling read
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2018
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Great read on a different perspective. As ardent fans of 7s rugby we are often blind to the inner machinations of a team. Completed reading this book overnight, amd now rewatching the games from the beginning of Ryans career and cross referencing with the book to see the nuances and explanations behind certain decisions. Great book Peni. Veilomani
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2018
Verified Purchase
Inspiring, moving, loving. Loved the knife and fork boots. Reminded me of my holiday in Fiji so long ago - Bula, Kava, Fiji Time, and such warm and welcoming people. People poor in money but rich in heart. Changes you for the better. Well done Ben!
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely loved it
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2021
Verified Purchase
Highly recommend. Beautiful story on an incredible journey on the legends of sevens rugby.
A game that unites a nation.
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Top reviews from other countries

Ravin Naik
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Reviewed in India on October 8, 2023
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Bought kindle version. The book is very good. It has a good storyline with lot if lessons.
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H Gus
5.0 out of 5 stars Fiji and Rugby
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
I love this book got it on audible first and glad I did some of the names sounds better said correctly by Ben Ryan. Then had to purchase the hard copy.
We visited Fiji and stayed in Pacific Harbour in 2010 during host NZ in World Series and they won. Everything stopped at the hotel while they watched the games and celebrations after where we were staying. It’s like Ben was saying they live for 7s rugby. I’ve always liked 7s obviously I wanted England to win but we had no chance they won the cup in NZ. I have supported them ever since “Go Fiji Go” it is infectious and I love the way they like to play. Ben worked hard to enable them to win the Olympic Gold medal.
One person found this helpful
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LL
5.0 out of 5 stars Bought it ... but haven't read it!
Reviewed in Canada on June 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
Relatives have borrowed to read it ... and I haven't seen it since! Must be a great book!
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Rugbyfiel
5.0 out of 5 stars If you love rugby sevens, this is the book to read
Reviewed in Germany on December 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
You have to love Fiji for taking the game of sevens to this level bringing enjoyment to millions of spectators. What a game! Thanks my friends and their coach Ben Ryan for leading the way!
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MR GARETH THOMAS
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
Reviewed in France on August 17, 2020
Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed this book a real insight into rugby, life and politics in Fiji. What rugby talent there is on these Pacific Islands.
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