Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan has predicted a “huge acceleration” in the standard of the country’s women’s Sevens team in the years to come as more and more girls start to play the game in the Pacific Island nation.

Ryan, speaking from Hong Kong after guiding the men’s team to victory at the Tokyo round of the HSBC Sevens World Series, admitted to being “pretty amazed” by the skills he has seen since moving to Fiji to take over as coach of the national men’s team.

“Their skill levels are fantastic,” admitted Ryan. “I have watched some of the domestic games and their programme is so new that I was pretty amazed actually at their core skills.

“And the amazing thing is, when you watch them play, they are playing in the same style as the men’s, they are offloading, their evasive skills and that is because they are playing in the villages as well.

“After their day’s work or at the end of the day before it gets dark they are there as well.  

“Netball is big in the country and there is good talent cross-over from that, they are obviously very, very amateur as far as there is no professional league or set-up for the women.

Tough draw in China

“The Fifteens teams doesn’t really exist so Sevens is where it is going to go, you are going to see a huge acceleration in Fiji women’s play I think because more and more girls are starting to play the game in the islands.

“I think as more and more people understand and hear about the women’s game there will be more competitions and more opportunities for these girls to be seen and I think the resources are going to be put in place as well for the women’s game.

“I don’t know whether Rio is going to come too fast for them, but certainly by 2020 you will see a very strong Fijiana if things keep carrying on as they are.”

Fijiana showed their potential by winning the Bowl at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 in Moscow and matching that silverware at the opening round of the 2013/14 IRB Women’s Sevens World Series in Dubai back in November.

They return to the World Series in China this weekend with former men’s coach Iliesa Tanivula taking charge for the event with regular coach Timoci Wainiqolo unable to travel with the squad to Guangzhou.

Fijiana have been handed a tough draw with Dubai and Brazil winners Australia, England and Ireland their opponents in Pool B, but none of those core teams will be taking anything for granted against a Sevens side blessed with Fijian flair and talent.

Fijiana Sevens squad for China

Pricilla Siata, Leonia Burnes, Asinate Savu, Ana-Maria Roqica, Rusila Nagasau, Elina Ratauluva, Timaima Ravisa, Litia Naiqato, Rusila Tamoi, Luisa Tisolo, Akosita Ravato.