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  • Sevens Heaven

  • The Beautiful Chaos of Fiji's Olympic Dream
  • By: Ben Ryan
  • Narrated by: Ben Ryan
  • Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (47 ratings)

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Sevens Heaven

By: Ben Ryan
Narrated by: Ben Ryan
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Publisher's Summary

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.

©2018 Ben Ryan (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group

What listeners say about Sevens Heaven

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amazing story

loved it! finished in a couple days. great uplifting story anyone would enjoy from a mad rugby supporter to an everyday person.

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Excellent Read 👏👏👏👏

Great read and recommended for leaders and coaches. Very informative and interesting on the behind the scene preparations. Vinaka vakalevu Ratu Peni Rayani

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Must read for any coach

Ben Ryan does an excellent job with this book. Not only one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had the pleasure to come across, but also countless lessons for an amateur/school coach like myself.

If everyone moved to Fiji for a few years and channeled their inner islander as Ben did, I believe the world would be a much better place.

Please take the time to read, you won’t regret it

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Beautifully written, could not put it down.

As an Australian born Fijian and avid fan of our beloved Fiji 7s team, i couldn't wait to read this. I thought I might get bored in parts, if the rugby talk went to much in detail but Im happy to report that never happened. Brilliantly documented story of the Fiji Olympic journey through the eyes of Ben Ryan and a perfectly painted picture of the Fijian way of life. Could not be prouder. Thank you for living your truth and sharing your story. Vinaka Ben #veilomani

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Fascinating...

A fascinating brook from cultural, leadership and management perspectives. So much more than a sport book.

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Excellent narration and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the story

Loved the entire book and took me three days to finish the entire book. I’d recommend the book to everybody who has followed Ben Ryan’s career and how he took the Fiji 7’s team to winning their first ever Olympic medal. Loved it and can’t wait to actually grab a copy of the book and a movie worthy story 🤗😄👍🏽

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Inspiring and uplifting

Remarkable story from the coach, recollection of challenges and uplifting journey of the Fiji Rugby Sevens team to winning Gold at the Olympics in Rio.

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Vinaka!

Great read! Vinaka for sharing your amazing story that we followed live every step to Olympic glory! Veilomani Ben!

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wonderful

didn't put it down... loved it and appreciated the candor and honest review of the 3 yrs

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An inspiring story told with honesty and heart

A great story of an inspiring and important journey for the people of Fiji. A fantastic leadership role model of adaptation to suit individuals yet designed to achieve a common goal. A reminder to also enjoy the moments and to keep things in perspective. Vinaka Ben.

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