Ben Ryan is enjoying life as coach of Fiji's rugby sevens team.
The former England international took charge of the team in 2013 and he led the side to Olympic gold earlier this month. The medal was Fiji's first ever, won at the Olympics.
Such has been the love for Ryan in his adopted land, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji, which is the highest honour given by the Fijian state. Other people who have been given the award include the golfer Vijay Singh, and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.
I was lost for words yesterday when I was awarded The companion of the order of Fiji. Vinaka Fiji 🇫🇯 pic.twitter.com/AGWZoQB3eW
— Ben Ryan Fiji 7s (@benjaminryan) August 22, 2016
Despite the Order of Fiji award, members of the Serua province went one step further by awarding Ryan with three acres of land on the south of the Viti Levu island on the Pacific coast.
He was also given the name Ratu Peni Raiyani Latianara in a ceremony by the province's chief on Sunday evening, which was attended by the wide community.
Ryan settled in Seruva when he moved to Fiji to take up the job three years ago.
Coach @benjaminryan gifted 3 acres of land and the name Ratu Peni Raiyani Latianara by the people of #Serua #Fiji pic.twitter.com/RfLnXnxA0s
— Fiji 7s Team (@Fiji7sTeam) August 29, 2016
Fiji has been on an enormous high since winning gold. It looks like that feelgood factor will stay with Ryan for a long time to come.
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