NSC extends hand of support to ‘Green Machine’

The National Sports Commission (NSC) will offer financial support to the Guyana Sevens Rugby team – the ‘Green Machine’ – who is short of $4M to compete at next weekend’s Rugby Americas North (RAN) Championship in Turks and Caicos.

On Thursday, Team Manager George David indicated the team has raised US$19,000 of the approximately US$39,000 required to make the trip.

At a press conference to announce the squad, David called for support from the NSC and by extension the Government, and the Guyana Olympic Association.

On Friday, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, indicated to News Room Sport the NSC will be supporting, but he did not disclose to what extent.

He indicated that he has made contact with the GRFU President, Ryan Dey and he was expected to collect a cheque on Friday (October 8).

Ninvalle noted that in the last five months, they have tried to ensure there is an equitable distribution of funds to all sports in need.

The Director of Spot indicated that while the GRFU did not apply late for funding, he is encouraging Associations/Federations to submit their yearly proposals to the Commission for better planning.

He reasoned that a timely request will aid in a more structured approach to the distributions of funds.

Now that the year is coming to a close, he also hopes the associations will begin submitting their plans for 2022.

The GRFU has named a 12-man squad, along with three support staff for the trip. They are expected to depart on October 13 and return on October 18.

Guyana and 10 other nations are competing for a chance to qualify for next year’s World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series; the winning side will gain an opportunity to compete for the 16th and final spot on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

The ‘Green Machine’ won six consecutive Sevens titles from 2006 to 2011, but the last of its eight titles came in 2016.