The fitness levels of Guyana’s male and female ruggers are high and recovery rate is fast as training intensifies for the North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) qualifying tournament, however, the team is trying to source the US$21,000 needed for participation.

Guyana women in action in a practice match on the weekend
As the tournament date looms, it is appealing for funds to meet its $4.2M or US$21,000 costs. The tourney will be held in Mexico City on November 14 and 15.

In a brief interview at the National Park on Saturday, the coaches and Technical Director of the Guyana team, Barbados-based Joe Whipple told Stabroek Sport that “There is no question about the team’s commitment and their fitness levels being high. Five weeks before the tournament we are where we want to be.” However, Whipple who is also the West Indies rugby coach added that, “There is need (for the players) to do some more work in the basic games skills.”
Technical Director of the Guyana rugby team Joe Whipple (third from left) makes a point to the men’s team in between practice matches on Saturday.

Technical Director of the Guyana rugby team Joe Whipple (third from left) makes a point to the men’s team in between practice matches on Saturday.

Meanwhile, National Head Coach Laurie Adonis said that the men are working hard and their recovery rate is faster than before. He expects the skills and other technical stuff to follow. “While there is a lot more work to be done,” he said, “The guys were showing a lot more progress. We are where we want to be at this stage because we do not want them to peak too early.”
Speaking of the women ruggers, New York-based women’s coach Alton Agard said that he was working with a team that is currently without three of its star players – former captain and scrum half Carrin Carter, winger Tricia Munroe and centre Latoya Hamilton. Munroe is currently on study leave; Carter is recuperating from illness and Hamilton is on maternity leave. Agard said that it was difficult to find suitable replacements for the three, especially the scrum half.

With five weeks to go, he said that the women were 65% prepared; their fitness levels are good but a lot of practice is still needed in ball passing and tackling, which are now the focus areas. The major problem, he said is that even though the team is the current Women’s Sevens Caribbean champions; the women’s champions of the Trinidad and Tobago 2008 Carib/LIAT International Invitational Sevens and the first runner-up in the Caribbean 15s, they have not played much club games locally this year neither have they taken part in any regional or international tournament for the same period.

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