GRFU names training squad for Hong Kong 7s

The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has begun preparations for the national team’s participation in the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens tournament later this year. The Union has named a strong squad to commence training for the three-day tournament, to be held in April.

Due to their outstanding performances in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament over the past decade, Guyana’s Green Machine has been a regular to the Hong Kong Sevens Series.

Guyana qualified as an entrant for this year’s Series following their win over Trinidad and Tobago in the Rugby Americas North final. The Hong Kong Sevens Series is slated for April 7-9, and this is the third time that Guyana has won a spot in the Series.

But while the country’s ruggers have earned the right to compete, the country’s participation is still not fully confirmed, as it is dependent on the GRFU’s ability to raise the necessary funding.

Over the past years, the Union has had to go around with its bowl seeking financial support for teams to compete overseas. More often than not the budget had been met and teams have gone on to win regional tournaments.

No doubt the Union will now require the support of those regular donors to make the trip possible, and they include the government of Guyana, through the Sport Ministry and the National Sports Commission, and the private sector.

The Hong Kong Sevens will attract 28 teams from across the world battling for top honours.

The Guyana squad reads: Rondell McArthur, Dwayne Schroeder, Vallon Adams, Richard Staglon, Patrick King, Ryan Gonsalves, Blaise Bayley, Rickford Cummings, Peabo Hamilton, Claudius Butts, Avery Corbin, Ronald Mayers, Lancelot Adonis, Osaie McKenzie, Jamal Angus, Kevin McKenzie, Godfrey Brooms and Rupert Giles.

The officials are Manager Robin Roberts, Coach Shane Grant and Physio Barrington Browne.