Rugby Union receives GOA support to offset travel expenses for RAN tourney

The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) was on Wednesday equipped with funds from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) to cover its outstanding expenses related to airfare to travel to the Turks and Caicos to compete in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament this weekend.

GOA President K.A. Juman Yassin presented a cheque for $900,000 to officials of the Union, paving the way for the 15-member Guyana contingent to depart on Thursday for the island.

In brief remarks, Yassin wished the team well at the two-day competition.

GRFU Senior Vice-President, Joshua Griffith, thanked GOA for the timely donation and said the players will aim to fulfil the desires of Yassin with a solid performance.

GRFU Secretary, Terrence Grant, revealed that with the $1.2 million from the National Sports Commission and the contribution from GOA, they have been able to cover the outstanding expenses related to the trip.

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.

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

‘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).