Rugby skipper expects ‘Green Machine’ to rise to the occasion

Jamal Angus, captain of Guyana’s Sevens Rugby Team, ‘Green Machine’, said he is in no way worried about the presumed lack of chemistry in the team given the fragmented training.

The captain’s comments came on the heels of the Guyana Rugby Football Union’s Public Relations Officer and current national player, Godfrey Broomes, bemoaning the non-approval from the National COVID-19 Task Force for more expansive training sessions.

Despite no official approval given for the contact sport, Broomes indicated at a recent press briefing, they had smaller sessions and opted to abide by the COVID-19, but while noble, it was not the most ideal way to prepare for the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championship in Turks and Caicos from October 16-17.

However, Angus strongly believes the players have the mindset for the challenge and is confident things will click.

“Chemistry for me, I am not really bothered by that. I am not really afraid of the team not gelling because under the right circumstances, the right players in the right positions, and we step up the way we could do and the way we should do, things will flow,” the captain confidently expressed.

“I am not too worried about the offense not flowing because we have our own style of offense, sometimes it gets chaotic, but we know what we are doing I think we can handle what is thrown at us.”

In that regard, Angus further expressed they have done all in their power to ensure readiness for the crucial event.

“The younger ones have come up and they just have this vibrancy and they are up for the task and they are very excited about the task of getting out there and looking forward to seeing what happens when the games actually start.”

The Guyanese open their campaign on Saturday at noon against Belize, followed by a clash against Bermuda from 14:15h.

After day one, the top two teams from each of the three pools will advance to the Cup competition, while the bottom team will play for the Plate on day two.

For the Cup competition, the six nations that advance will be re-seeded into two pools of three and play against each of their pool opponents in their first two games on Sunday, October 17.

After those two rounds, the top-seeded nation in each pool will advance to the Cup Final, while the two second-place teams will play for bronze and the two third-place teams will play in the 5th/6th place match.

The tournament also acts as a qualifier for next year’s World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, with the winning side gaining the opportunity to compete for the 16th and final spot on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series.

‘Green Machine’ Squad: Jamal Angus (Captain), Godfrey Broomes, Rondell Mcarthur, Osei Mckenzie, Fabian Joseph, Lancelot Adonis, Peabo Hamilton, Avery Corbin Oneil Charles, Johnathon Garnett, Lionel Holder, and Tyrese Prescod.

Management: George David (Manager), Theodore Henry (Head Coach), and Akeem Fraser (Physiotherapist).

The 15-man contingent will depart Guyana on October 14, and return on October 18.

After winning their seventh title in 2016, Guyana finished runners-up in 2017 and 2018 – both loses to Jamaica- and sixth in 2019.