Brian Lewis, secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) has described Commissioner of Police Trevor Paul’s decision to recall all officers given leave to participate in sports as “a backward step for sport.”


Although he acknowledged the issue of crime was a serious one, Lewis argued that participation in sport is a constructive activity and “not just a game.”


He noted that the 2008 rugby season begins in June and he is concerned about how the commissioner’s ban would affect the league since the Police Sports Club is a member of the league since its founding in 1978.

“I would hope that there would be some reconsideration of this stance by then,” Lewis said.
“We are not at a level where sport is viewed as a critical component in TT society, people still believe that sport is frivolous,” he argued.

The TTRFU secretary compared the situation to that of a child preparing to write an exam but is banned by their parent from participating in sport.

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The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has named 47 local rugby prospects to commence training for the NAWIRA 2011 Men's 15's qualifiers, which will be held in The Cayman Islands from April 19- 27.


Once successful in those qualifiers the Guyana side will be eligible for participation in the 2011 Rugby Men's 15's World Cup.


President of the GRFU, Noel Adonis, said that the majority of the players who have been selected to be part of the preparatory session, had been part of the squad selected to attend the Caribbean Rugby Men's 15's in The Cayman Islands last August which was unfortunately cancelled due to the untimely occurence of Hurricane Dean in the region.

Others he said gained selection on the basis of their performance in the 15's competition throughout the year.

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Upon request from all referees present at the recent NAWIRA Seven-s-Side Tournament in Nassau I have compiled a Fitness Chart for referees within NAWIRA (excluding USA & Canada).
It is important to stress that the chart depicts guidelines of fitness and are NOT meant to be restrictive in any way. Rather, the chart is meant to stimulate interest in the fitness aspect of refereeing I have tried to take into account the high degree of temperature and humidity within the region regarding the aerobic aspect of the fitness requirements and, therefore, my calculations may have to be adjusted according to feedback from unions and their match officials.


Aside from the Leger 'Beep Test', all tests require a minimum of equipment (a measuring tape, a 400m track, and a stop watch). The Beep test requires an audio tape and player. (available from the Union).

It is my hope that all referees will take up the challenge to determine how they stand with regard to fitness. But it is essential to point out that the scores represent the minimum fitness requirements only and referees should not make the tests a competition amongst themselves.

I have included the iRB standards, with modification to scores to the 1600m Run. The iRB run is measured over 2400m but I have decided that it would be most unfair to include this distance in the fitness chart within The West Indies due to climate. However, for interest's sake, I have included the iRB standard for the 12 Minute Run Test (No doubt, the very fittest will take up this challenge).


Within time it is hoped that fitness results may be incorporated in each certified referee's portfolio. But before then, I hope all referees will enjoy taking the challenge of measuring their fitness standards and, when necessary, planning a programme of training for improvement.


Source: Roy Harvey (Director of Officials for NAWIRA)

The New Year will see the CRFU embark on possibly the most demanding season since rugby became an organised national sport in the Cayman Islands back in 1971.


Probably the highlight of the year will be the NAWIRA qualifiers to be held over 19-27 April.


The first major tournament of 2008 kicks off on 19 January with the first play in the annual Alex Alexander Memorial League Championship and Knock Out Shield, sponsored by the Waterford Private residence Club, which runs concurrently with the Women’s Rugby Season until the finals on 24 May.


Other local competitions include the Maples & Calder Outreach National Tournament starting on 9 February, the Cable & Wireless Summer Sevens taking place between 6 September and 1 November, the RE/MAX Knackerfest over 7-9 November and the annual AR Scott Hurricane Tens beginning on 22 November.


Training for the National XV’s Academy starts on 13 January and several other tournaments still have to be scheduled.


Source: Cayman Net News

Canadian head coach, Quentin Fyffe is happy with the performances of his team in 2007.


Fyffe, who was appointed in April, saw his team in action for the first time in August as they beat the USA twice, by 18-5 and 46-7 in the Can-Am Series in Blaine, Minnesota and was impressed with the standard of play and quality of players.


In November, Canada traveled to the United Kingdom to compete against Scotland and Wales and claimed victory in both games, beating Scotland by a score of 45-3 prior to defeating Wales 25-3.

“In each game we played this year, we were able to field different starting teams and take a look at different combinations, without dropping our level of play,” said Fyffe.
“There is healthy competition for every spot on this team. There are also a number of players who are still very much in the picture but didn’t get an opportunity to play, who are also pushing the program along.”

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