IT’S a great disappointment that we hear Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan is bitterly disappointed with his charges after their behaviour after the semi-final match against New Zealand in Dubai.

Although we may never know what transpired throughout the game, it is important to remember the basic rule of chivalry on the rugby field and that is, once the whistle blows and the dust is settled, what happens on the rugby field is left on the rugby field.

For so long we have seen in Fiji where players and fans alike erupt into unruly behaviour at the end of a game and I suspect that it is this attitude that our coach is referring to.

Next month our players will be fully professional in their quest for gold in Rio and it is important that they are told that in return for their services on and off the field, they must show that they are truly professionals both on and off the field.

Winston Church is quoted as having said rugby was a gentleman’s game played by hooligans.

So come on boys, don’t be hooligans off the field as well?