Mixed fortunes leave Green Machine in must-win territory at RAN Sevens

The national men’s rugby team – Green Machine –   delivered a statement of intent on the opening day of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens, but mixed results mean they now face a critical fixture to keep their knockout hopes alive.

The tournament, which is underway in Trinidad, carries high stakes, offering pathways to both the elite HSBC SVNS circuit and the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.

Guyana’s men, seven-time former RAN champions currently navigating a transitional period, proved they remain a formidable force in the top tier (MT1).

Their opening fixture against the host nation and regional heavyweight, Trinidad and Tobago, was a thrilling contest that ended in a hard-fought 14-14 draw.

However, momentum stalled slightly in their second match as they fell to a narrow 19-12 defeat against a clinical Jamaican side.

Despite the split results, the squad remains firmly in the hunt for a quarter-final spot.

Their fate now rests on securing a victory against the Cayman Islands in their final pool match today—a decisive, must-win fixture to advance.

In contrast, the Women’s bracket saw Guyana return to the regional circuit after almost a decade away and it was a bruising welcome for the squad.

They suffered heavy defeats, falling 39-0 to host Trinidad and Tobago before being dismantled 43-0 by a ruthless, physical Mexican outfit.

Women’s Team: Nicole Nero, Tiffany Pilgrim, Nikita Andrews, Mandy Browne, Sabola Gray (captain), Jalena Shepherd

Aniqah Powley, Tonya Smith, Carrey Carter, Serra Persaud, Alison Smiley, Sasha Greaves

Management: Laurie Adonis (Head Coach), Tricia Monroe (Assistant Coach) and Ryan Gonsalves (Manager)

Men’s Team: Renaldo Niles, Shawn David, Jamal Angus (vice-captain), Mathew Talbot, Micheal Barrow, Jonathan Garnette, Lionel Holder (captain), Rahsaan Dathorn-Howell, Gavin McPherson, Tyresse Prescod, Godfrey Polleydore
Yannic Williams, Elisha Crawford

Management: Stephen Lewis (Head Coach), Claudius Butts (Assistant Coach) and Ryan Gonsalves (Manager)