Ben Ryan urges Fijian Rugby Union to award central contracts to players

Former England and Fiji sevens coach Ben Ryan has slammed the officials of Fijian Rugby Union (FRU) for not offering central contracts to the the Pacific Island players.

During the Rio Olympics 2016, Fiji sevens team went on to win their maiden gold medal by winning the men's sevens competition under Ryan following which he decided to step down from his post.

After the completion of the first two rounds in the ongoing World Rugby Sevens series, Fiji are placed third with 32 points behind South Africa and England.

The 45-year-old went to the social media platform Twitter to congratulate the team and also criticised the FRU for not paying the players in time.

"A fantastic effort by Fiji at @CapeTown7s @WorldRugby7sseries. FRU - please start paying these amazing men. No one contracted again," tweeted the 45-year-old from London.

The FRU hit back at Ryan through a statement released which said that Ryan "has chosen to move on to other challenges which we respect and all have accepted, but it seems it is difficult for him to move on."

Ryan, who was awarded a three-acre plot of land in Fiji for his achievement with the sevens team was quick to respond back.

"What a ridiculously childish statement. I've only said positive things about everyone and one tweet that tells the truth hits a chord," he tweeted.

"Ps @fijirugby If you want me to step back perhaps you should extend the gesture and remove my photo from your top banner on your website!"

During his tenure which lasted between 2013 and 2016, Fiji won back-to-back World Rugby Sevens series and also clinched their maiden gold medal in Rio Olympics.