Nanjing (China), Aug 13 (IANS): Fiji's rugby sevens team will compete at the Youth Olympic Games here without the services of their coach Ben Ryan of Britain, who won't join the team due to medical reasons.
The Fiji Rugby Union Tuesday announced that Ryan won't join the team in China as his doctors have advised him against travelling long distances, reports Xinhua.
Ryan expressed his disappointment at not being able to join the team, but asked his boys to give it their best.
"I'm really disappointed that I'm not able to go with the team. Always proud to lead a Fijian side in any occasion and I'll be their number one fan at home," Ryan told the Fiji Rugby Union website.
"The team needs to make the most of the opportunity and turn the best talent in the competition into the best team in the competition. The team is in great hands and I have a lot of faith in them."
Fiji will take on Japan in their first match Sunday, one day after the official opening of the Youth Olympics.