Sevens Heaven
The Beautiful Chaos of Fiji's Olympic Dream
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Sevens Heaven
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Narrated by:
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Ben Ryan
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By:
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Ben Ryan
About this listen
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.
2019, The Telegraph Sports Book of the Year, Winner
©2018 Ben Ryan (P)2018 Orion Publishing GroupListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Sevens Heaven
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- kolinio
- 01-03-19
Great listen.. loved the book, Ben Ryan is a Fijian hero. Can't wait for his next book..
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 01-09-20
The best Rugby book so far...
Ben Ryans performance is great. You can see the affection he has for his players. The way he brings the best from them is awe-inspiring.
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- Jone Yabaki
- 11-06-19
Great book
loved it. Great story of the Olympic journey. you won't be able to put it down
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1 person found this helpful
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- RL
- 12-02-19
A wonderful story, honestly told
On a human level, this is a really lovely story about two cultures meeting, and how each can change the other (for the better). So honestly told by Ben Ryan, and so much more than a book about rugby.
I am a huge rugby fan, and for me, it was absolutely fascinating to hear about how life is inside Fijian rugby and how important it is to the people there. But I believe this book will affect people who have little or no interest in the sport as well.
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- Tim P.
- 18-07-18
Great sentiment and ideology and even better rugby
There’s not too much on Ben’s life which I must admit I prefer in books about sports people.
However the messages on Fiji island life, grassroots rugby to gold medal level, leadership and world rugby business is great.
This is perfect for all rugby fans and as well as very interesting and entertaining some parts had me in stitches.
Remember you heard it here on the coconut wireless 🌴
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- Neil Johnson
- 19-05-20
A Brilliant book for any sports fan
An excellent Story that would make a fantastic film! Ben Ryan is an excellent Narrator as well ! well worth a listen.
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- Rossano Nocera
- 24-06-18
Brilliant Tale
Superbly narrated tale of sporting triumph, leadership, and a real cultural insight into Fiji.
Was genuinely gutted when the book ended it was so uplifting!!
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- Ross
- 23-07-18
Outstanding
Probably the most interesting sporting book I have had the pleasure of reading thus far!
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- Ian Glenn
- 29-08-21
Best sporting story I’ve heard
Ben Ryan’s journey and his analysis of his work with Fiji is one every sporting Badger should listen to.
Ben makes you feel like you there on the sideline with him and immerses you into the story.
Very well read by him
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- BigJack
- 20-04-21
Fascinating
A fascinating insight into the worlds 2nd rugby team. A must for any rugby fan.
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