Fiji has long been a rugby haven but only in recent years has the tiny south Pacific island become a force on the international circuit. Although in the 15-a-side format of game, near neighbours New Zealand remain kings, in sevens, Fiji have established themselves as the game’s elite force.

Two-time winners of the Rugby World Cup Sevens, Fiji are also two-time defending champions of the World Rugby Sevens Series. They won it for the second time 2014/15, ending the Kiwis’ four-year stranglehold, and retained it this season.

They are favourites for the gold medal in Brazil and former Abu Dhabi Harlequins player-coach Jeremy Manning will be aiding their quest for Olympic glory.

“It would be amazing to win for Fiji. They don’t have much there and for them to win any medal would be amazing for the country,” said the 30-year-old, who is Fiji’s sevens kicking coach. “All the support for the sevens players out there is crazy. I’m really looking forward to being a part of Fiji’s preparations and experiencing how the public react to the team.”

Manning’s rise to becoming a vital part in Fiji coach Ben Ryan’s staff began innocuously when he stepped in to assist the Pacific
islanders prior to the 2014 Dubai Sevens.

“Andy Cole (Harlequins chairman) brought them out to Dubai before the sevens and their strength and conditioning coach couldn’t make it as he had other commitments,” said Manning, a 2006 Heineken Cup winner with Munster.

“Ben contacted Andy and asked if he knew anyone. Andy said ‘Jeremy’s here’ and Ben got in touch with me to come on board for the week. It was hard to say no.

“I helped out and they had a good tournament. They won and their kicking stats were through the roof, so Ben must have thought I was doing something right. He asked me if I wanted more of a permanent role and I thought it was something I couldn’t pass up. Fiji have been very kind to me and I love what I do.”

The Fijians head to Rio in fine form and atop the world rankings, but Manning knows there is a lot of work ahead for a side who are desperate to win the country’s first-ever Olympic medal.

“The boys want to win every single game. They want to make everybody in their country proud,” said Manning.

“But we never look too far in the future. The boys have won a few tournaments and won the World Series last year, so they have a bit of momentum behind them. But as anyone who’s watched sevens knows, it can be a funny game.

“Anybody is in with a chance to win. They are No1 but you can catch anybody on their good day.”