By Akeem Greene
The Rugby Americas North (RAN) Men’s Under-19 and Women’s 10s could be headed to these shores as the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has placed a bid to host the championships in July.
This revelation was made by President of the Union, Peter Green, at a recent press briefing. He indicated that Guyana’s chances of hosting the event are good.
“We have made a bid to parent body RAN [Rugby Americas North] to host the Under-19 championships and the Women’s 10s and so we are awaiting the outcome and so we are pursuing a really proactive approach.”
He added, “We have not gotten a response, but the word in the grapevine is that we have very good 90% [ chance of being successful]. Guyana’s currency is very attractive with the English and US dollar.”
The Union’s usual playing area in the National Park is still undergoing restoration works headed by the National Sports Commission.
It means national training has moved to the athletics track in the Park, an area which Green describes as less than desirable. As such, he hopes he can soon find a permanent home for the sport.
“We are hamstrung by our lack of proper facilities. We have approached the NSC and we intend to follow up for a home for rugby. South America [Rugby union] is really interested in Guyana in being a part of their block; Guyana is the hub between North and South America, but we need facilities,” Green explained.
The previous championship was held from July 8-14 in Mexico City, Mexico, in 2018. Four Men’s Under-19 teams played a round-robin tournament on July 8, 11 and 14, and four Women’s 10s teams clashed from July 12 and 13. USA South topped both divisions in the round-robin tournament.
In addition to the on-the-pitch development, RAN offered all high school rugby athletes a free College Sports Scholarship Workshop.
The workshop focused on how the university recruiting system works in the USA and Canada, and answered questions about starting the process, seeking scholarships and college costs.
