When it comes to transformational sports coaching, few names carry the weight and respect that Ben Ryan commands in the rugby world. This English sports coach, born on September 11, 1971, has carved out a remarkable career that spans continents, cultures, and sporting codes. Best known for his historic achievement of coaching the Fiji rugby sevens team to Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Games, Ben Ryan has established himself as one of the most innovative and successful coaches of his generation.
Today, he serves as Performance Director at Brentford FC in the Premier League, bringing his wealth of knowledge from rugby into the world of professional football. Beyond the pitch, ben ryan has become a sought-after author, speaker, and performance consultant, sharing his insights on leadership, team building, and achieving excellence under pressure.
Early Years and Academic Foundation
The foundation of ben ryan‘s coaching success was built on solid academic credentials. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Science from Loughborough University, one of the most prestigious institutions for sports education in the United Kingdom. Not content with just one degree, he pursued further education at Cambridge University, where he completed a Master of Philosophy in Education.
During his time at Cambridge, Ben Ryan wasn’t just hitting the books. He represented the university as a scrum-half, winning two Blues in 1995 and 1996. These playing experiences gave him invaluable insights into the game from a player’s perspective, something that would later inform his coaching philosophy.
Teaching Career at St Edward’s School
Before becoming a household name in rugby circles, Ben Ryan spent six years at St Edward’s School in Oxford, where he made significant contributions to the institution’s physical education program. He built the PE department from the ground up and introduced GCSE and A-Level Physical Education courses, giving students a more comprehensive understanding of sports science and athletic development.
His impact at the school was profound. Under his guidance, St Edward’s produced its first-ever international players, a testament to his ability to identify talent and nurture it to the highest levels. This period of his career demonstrated his commitment to education and youth development, principles that would become hallmarks of his coaching approach.
Rising Through the Coaching Ranks
Ben ryan‘s professional coaching journey began in 1997 when he started coaching the Cardinal Wiseman U15 football team. From these humble beginnings, he quickly demonstrated his tactical acumen and ability to connect with players. His career trajectory took a significant leap forward when he became Director of Rugby at Newbury Blues in 2002.
During his five-year tenure with Newbury Blues, from 2002 to 2007, ben ryan showcased his ability to build winning programs. He led the team on an impressive journey from National Division Two all the way to the Championship, proving he could develop teams and create sustainable success.
England Sevens: Building a Legacy
In 2006, ben ryan took on one of the most challenging roles in English rugby: head coach of the England Sevens team. This appointment would prove to be career-defining. Over the next seven years, he became the longest-serving England Sevens head coach in history, overseeing 56 tournaments and more than 300 games.
His tenure with England Sevens was marked by consistent excellence. The team reached the semi-finals or better an impressive 28 times under his guidance. One of his proudest achievements came in 2013 when he led England to their first Rugby World Cup 7s Final in two decades. He also served as head coach for the 2009 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
The success with England Sevens established ben ryan as one of the premier coaches in the abbreviated format of rugby. His tactical innovations and ability to prepare teams for the unique demands of sevens rugby caught the attention of rugby unions around the world.
The Fiji Adventure: Creating History
In 2013, ben ryan made a decision that would change his life and the sporting history of an entire nation. He accepted the position of head coach for the Fiji rugby sevens team, walking into a situation that would have deterred most coaches.
Overcoming Unprecedented Challenges
When ben ryan arrived in Fiji, he encountered a program in crisis. The team was bankrupt with no sponsors and no funding. Players were unpaid and uncontracted, with many struggling to make ends meet. The infrastructure was minimal, and resources were scarce. For the first five months, ben ryan volunteered his services without pay, demonstrating his commitment to the project and his belief in the players’ potential.
Rather than being discouraged, he saw this as an opportunity to build something special from the ground up. He focused on education, teaching his players about nutrition, fitness, and tactical understanding. He created systems and structures where none existed, and most importantly, he instilled a culture of excellence and pride.
Historic Achievements
The transformation under ben ryan‘s leadership was nothing short of remarkable. In 2014, Fiji claimed their first-ever Dubai 7s title, a breakthrough moment for the program. This victory was just the beginning. Over the next two years, the team set records and dominated the World Series like never before.
Fiji won nine tournament titles under ben ryan‘s guidance, securing back-to-back World Series championships in 2014, 2015, and 2016. But the crowning achievement came at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In front of a global audience, Fiji defeated Great Britain 43-7 in the gold medal match, claiming the nation’s first-ever Olympic medal in any sport.
The impact of this victory cannot be overstated. When Fiji won that gold medal, the entire nation celebrated. Ben ryan had delivered something many thought impossible, and in doing so, he became a national hero.
Recognition and Honor
The Fijian people showed their gratitude in extraordinary ways. Ben ryan was awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest honor the nation can bestow. He was given a Fijian name, Ratu Peni Rayani Latianara, which translates to “Chief Ben, Warrior from Across the Seas.” The government gifted him three acres of land in Serua, and his image appeared on a 50-cent coin and a $7 commemorative banknote.
Coaching Philosophy: The Ryan Method
What makes ben ryan such an effective coach? His philosophy centers on several core principles that have proven successful across different teams and cultures.
Vei Lomani: Love and Unity
At the heart of ben ryan‘s approach is the Fijian concept of “Vei Lomani,” which means to love one another, to work in peace, and to collaborate toward common goals. He believes that creating a culture where players genuinely care for each other is the foundation of team success. This isn’t just motivational rhetoric; it’s a practical approach that builds trust and cohesion.
Creating Measurable Environments
Ben ryan emphasizes creating clear cultures with measurable standards. He believes that environments should allow individuals to become their best versions while maintaining accountability. His approach combines mindful development with open communication, ensuring that players understand expectations and have the support they need to meet them.
Evidence-Based Decision Making
Throughout his career, ben ryan has championed evidence-based approaches to coaching. He relies on data, research, and measurable outcomes to inform his decisions. Whether it’s nutrition strategy, diet optimization, physical load management, or tactical innovation, he ensures that every intervention is grounded in solid evidence.
Building with Limited Resources
One of ben ryan‘s greatest strengths is his ability to build successful programs with limited resources. His experience in Fiji taught him to be creative and adaptive, finding solutions where others might see only obstacles. This resourcefulness has made him particularly valuable in modern sports, where efficiency and smart allocation of resources are increasingly important.
Transition to Football: Brentford FC
In June 2022, ben ryan made a surprising but logical career move when he joined Brentford FC as Performance Director. As a lifelong Brentford supporter who had held a season ticket since 2011, this was a dream opportunity to contribute to his beloved club in the Premier League.
Adapting Rugby Principles to Football
In his role at Brentford, ben ryan reports to Director of Football Phil Giles and oversees multiple departments, including medical, welfare, logistics, performance, nutrition, and kit staff. He’s brought his rugby sevens expertise to football, adapting principles that worked in one sport to enhance performance in another.
His approach at Brentford has been methodical and comprehensive. He conducted a thorough assessment of the club’s operations and has been implementing evidence-based improvements across all performance areas. Working within an already successful structure, ben ryan has focused on finding marginal gains and optimizing systems to help the team compete at the highest level of English football.
Personal Life and Family
Beyond his professional achievements, Ben Ryan has found happiness in his personal life. In April 2022, he became engaged to Michelle Ackerley, a well-known BBC television presenter recognized for her work on programs including Morning Live, The One Show, Watchdog, and Crimewatch Live. The couple married in May 2024 in a beautiful ceremony in London, with Michelle Ackerley looking stunning in a silky halter-neck wedding gown.
Following their wedding, the newlyweds enjoyed a romantic honeymoon in Fiji, where ben ryan remains a beloved national hero. The trip held special significance as it allowed Michelle Ackerley to experience firsthand the profound impact her husband had on the Pacific nation.
In May 2025, Michelle Ackerley announced on Morning Live that the couple was expecting their first child, sharing the joyful news that they were four months pregnant. The announcement was particularly meaningful as Michelle Ackerley had been open about her struggles with endometriosis and infertility. In October 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Nala Lomani Ryan, with the middle name honoring the Fijian principle of “Vei Lomani” that had been so central to ben ryan‘s coaching philosophy.
Ben ryan has been incredibly supportive of Michelle Ackerley throughout her health challenges. She has shared publicly how his calm demeanor and understanding nature have helped her navigate difficult times, often having supportive conversations during their long walks together. Their relationship demonstrates the same principles of care, communication, and mutual support that ben ryan brings to his coaching.
Beyond Coaching: Author and Consultant
Ben ryan‘s influence extends far beyond the touchline. He founded “Sleep and Water,” a consultancy that helps athletes, coaches, and corporate professionals optimize their performance. He serves as Technical Director of Rugby X and has worked as a consultant for France sevens, sharing his expertise with other national programs.
He’s also an ambassador for several organizations, including Play-Ex Sports, HSBC, and Fiji Airways, using his platform to promote sports development and performance excellence.
Author and Storyteller
Ben ryan captured his Fiji experience in his bestselling book “Sevens Heaven: The Beautiful Chaos of Fiji’s Olympic Dream.” The book offers readers an inside look at the challenges, triumphs, and cultural journey of leading Fiji to Olympic glory. He’s also a regular columnist and media contributor, sharing insights on sports, leadership, and performance.
His story has resonated so powerfully that a feature film about his journey with Fiji is currently in development, promising to bring this remarkable tale to an even wider audience. Michelle Ackerley has been supportive of these projects, understanding the importance of sharing inspirational stories with broader audiences through her own work in television.
Keynote Speaker and Podcast Host
As a sought-after keynote speaker, ben ryan addresses audiences worldwide on topics including leadership and team management, high-performance culture building, motivation and peak performance, overcoming adversity, cross-cultural communication, and building trust and collaboration. His real-world experiences and proven track record make him a compelling and credible voice on these subjects.
He also hosts “The Ben Ryan Podcast,” where he interviews successful coaches, athletes, and performance professionals. Michelle Ackerley has appeared on the podcast, offering her perspective on his career and discussing the intersection of media, sports, and personal development.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, ben ryan has accumulated numerous accolades. He was named Pacific Person of the Year and was shortlisted for World Rugby Coach of the Year. His Companion of the Order of Fiji remains one of the highest honors any foreign national has received from the island nation. He holds RFU Level 1-4 coaching qualifications, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development.
Legacy and Impact
Ben ryan‘s legacy is multifaceted and profound. He’s the only British or European coach to win the World Sevens Series, and he’s widely regarded as the most successful Fiji Sevens coach in history. His transformational leadership in resource-limited environments has inspired coaches worldwide, proving that success isn’t just about having the most money or the best facilities—it’s about culture, commitment, and clever coaching.
His cross-sport success, moving from rugby to football, demonstrates the transferability of his methods and the universality of good coaching principles. Through his speaking engagements, consultancy work, and writing, ben ryan continues to influence coaches, athletes, and leaders across the globe.
His partnership with Michelle Ackerley has also brought his story to new audiences, as her platform in daytime television has introduced many viewers to his remarkable achievements and philosophy.
Key Lessons from Ben Ryan’s Career
What can aspiring coaches learn from ben ryan‘s journey? Several principles stand out:
Culture before tactics: Building the right environment and team culture is more important than any tactical system. When players trust each other and buy into a shared vision, tactical improvements follow naturally.
Adaptability in challenging circumstances: The ability to succeed with limited resources requires creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Constraints can actually drive innovation if approached with the right mindset.
Player education and holistic development: Treating players as whole people and investing in their education—not just their athletic skills—creates better performers and more sustainable success.
Evidence-based methodology: Decisions should be grounded in data and research, not just tradition or gut feeling. The best coaches constantly learn and adapt based on evidence.
Building trust across cultures: Success in diverse environments requires cultural intelligence, respect, and genuine connection with people from different backgrounds.
Sustainable performance systems: Creating systems and structures that outlast any individual coach or player ensures long-term organizational success.
Work-life balance and support: As demonstrated in his relationship with Michelle Ackerley, maintaining strong personal relationships and providing support to loved ones is essential for sustained success and wellbeing.
Conclusion
The story of Ben Ryan is one of determination, innovation, and remarkable achievement. From his early days teaching at St Edward’s School to leading Fiji to Olympic immortality, and now bringing his expertise to Premier League football, he has consistently demonstrated what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, and preparation meets passion.
His journey reminds us that great coaching isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about transformation, both of individuals and organizations. Whether you’re a coach, an athlete, a business leader, or simply someone interested in human performance, there’s much to learn from the Ben Ryan approach: lead with love, build culture first, make decisions based on evidence, and never let limited resources limit your ambitions.
As he continues his work at Brentford FC and through his various consultancy and speaking engagements, Ben Ryan remains a powerful voice for excellence in sports and leadership. His legacy in Fiji is secure, his impact on rugby sevens is undeniable, and his future contributions to sports performance promise to be equally significant. With the support of his wife Michelle Ackerley, and their growing family, this next chapter of his life promises to be as fulfilling as the remarkable career that preceded it.
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