Long serving skipper of the national rugby team, Ryan Gonsalves has given up his captaincy citing a desire to focus more on his game.
The scrum-half who was at the helm of Guyana’s most successful outdoor sports team for the past four years, officially made his intentions known to the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) yesterday.
Gonsalves, 31, told Stabroek Sport that niggling injuries also had a say in his heavy-hearted decision to play a lesser role on the national team.
“I’m coming off a knee injury I sustained last year and I’m trying to get back to 100% and try to focus more on my role on the team. I think it’s the right time to give someone else a chance to lead the fellas,” he declared.
Richard Staglon looms as Gonsalves’ likely replacement given his leadership and status on the ‘Green Machine’. Staglon, who plays open side flanker, was also the vice-captain during the last tournament in Hong Kong two months ago.
Gonsalves, a 14-year veteran has won in excess of 60 caps and led the team in tournaments like the Pan Am Games, the NACRA 7s and 15s championships, the Las Vegas 7s and the Hong Kong 7s.
Last year was his crowning achievement as captain, leading the national team to both the NACRA 7s and 15s titles in Mexico and the USA.
The 15s championship was won after 43 years. (Emmerson Campbell)
