IN December we highlighted the achievements of Fiji’s national rugby sevens coach and named him Pacific Person of the Year. A few weeks later Ryan was honoured with the Rugby Union Writers’ Club award in England. While England head coach Eddie Jones won the Rugby Union Writers’ Club Pat Marshall Memorial Award, which is given to the sport’s personality of the year, Ryan received the Special Award.
This after coaching Fiji to its first Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016. The award is not given out every year, only if considered appropriate. Last month we brought to you the achievements of two extraordinary Pacific men who have dared to stand up for what they believe in despite overwhelming odds. Papua New Guinea Provincial Governor, Gary Juffa, and former Fiji Television CEO, Geoffrey Smith, are leading lights in their communities and throughout the region.
This month Juffa once again highlighted corrupt practices which have become all-too common in his homeland and there is no sign he will back down from the crusade. FbSkip
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