With eyes firmly fixed on the upcoming Las Vegas IRB USA international seven-a-side rugby tournament, the players on the national rugby team will today commence training under the close scrutiny of West Indies Rugby team’s head coach, Joe Whipple.

Whipple arrived yesterday for the weekend training camp ahead of the February 13 and 14 tournament.

Whipple, who currently serves as Technical Director of the Guyana national team, will be assisted by coach Laurie Adonis and assistant coach, Clinton Clarke.

Yesterday afternoon the players went through drills where the emphasis was on defensive alignment, contact zone and tackling techniques.

This morning at 9am there will be a video session at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club with practice sessions set for 10am at the National Park.

According to Whipple’s itinerary, this morning the players will look at offensive patterns, lineouts and scrimmages with practice games set to commence at 3:30pm.

Tomorrow at 9am there will be another video session at the same venue which will be followed by an on-field debriefing session prior to Whipple’s departure at noon.

The following players are expected to participate in this weekend’s camp: Christopher Singh, Claudius Butts (captain), Dane Parks, Dwayne Schroeder, Elwin Chase, Jason Tyrell, Joseph Rahaman, Leon Greaves, Peabo Hamilton, Robin Cordis, Ryan Gonsalves, Ryan Hinckson, Theodore Henry, Troy Bascomb,  Walter George and Ronald Mayers.