The nation seems to be carried away in a jubilant mood as we celebrate our 7s team’s historic win but we need to count the days to the 2016-17 World Rugby Sevens Series beginning in Dubai from December 2-3 and then the trip to Cape Town from December 10-11.

While we unite as a nation to thank our 7s team management and players, we need to realise now that Ben is on the verge of spending his last few hours with us and from our gold medal winning team, Fiji may lose the services of Nakarawa, Tuisova, Viriviri, Ravouvou, Kunatani, Jasa, Osea and Mata. This means that come December, Fiji would be on a rebuilding phase.

However, expectations would be high from fans for a back to back in Dubai and a hat-trick come the completion of the series. With the departure of our experts in the coaching staff and the cream of our players, I just hope and pray that fans would not vent their frustration and anger on the incoming coach, who will face an enormous task in building a formidable outfit. Hence, it is my humble plea to FRU to start work on finding an ideal replacement for Ben and get the coaching panel to work on a strategic plan for the upcoming series in December. Let’s not leave it to the last minute and then look for excuses.

Before Ratu Peni Raiyani Latianara leaves, let him do some ground work for the upcoming tournaments. We may have to rely heavily on the likes of Katonibau, Mulevoro, Nagusa, Veitokani, Vici, Nasilasila and Dakuwaqa to guide our 7s engine to Dubai and Cape Town. We need to stamp our mark on the series and not falter like Team New Zealand. Ben and the Olympics are history. It is important that we design our future and start with a bang. As I conclude, I thank the province of Serua for organising a wonderful celebration to thank Ben Ryan. I also thank Cathy for her efforts in ensuring that “the burning train” got his gold medal. Finally, a big vinaka vakalevu to the corporate donors for their financial support!