Standout rugger, Claudius Butts will perform the balancing act of player and coach when Guyana contests the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 7s Championships in the Cayman Islands from July 6-7.
The championships serves as a qualifier for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
The revelation was made yesterday when members of the management team briefed the media at a meeting in the National Park.
Butts, has played an integral role in the success of the ‘Green Machine’, the eight-time champions and is understood to have a Level Two accreditation, for which he coaches in Trinidad and Tobago.
Butts takes over from Sherlock Solomon who will perform the role as Technical Director.
Sam stated the team has already had a battle against weather and injures in the six-week preparation for the tournament which could be historic for team, should they be victorious.
He further noted, it was unfortunate not to have a local camp, however, they will keep a two-day camp on the host island on Wednesday and Thursday after which they will trim the squad to 12. The team departs on Tuesday.
Despite Jamaica, who have built their squad around players who play professionally in the United Kingdom, and gotten the edge over Guyana in most recent battles, Sam fully believes they can topple their nemesis.
At the 2018 RAN Sevens in Barbados, the Jamaican men and the Mexican women earned the titles. Guyana lost the final to Jamaica 17-22.
Manager John Lewis indicated it will be stiff competition but given the experience, the team has the ability to overcome the challenges.
The big addition to the team is Dominic Lespierre who is based in England and offers great offensive prowess to this squad.
The other members of the team are: Richard Staglon, Peabo Hamilton, Vallon Adams, Patrick King, Jamal Angus, Ryan Gonsalves, Godfrey Broomes, Avery Corbin, Dwayne Schroeder and Ozie McKenzie.
Reserves: Ryan Dey, Selwyn Henry, Breon Walks
Management: Claudius Butts (Player/Coach), Solomon Sam (Technical Director), John Lewis (Manager) and Akeem Fraser (Physiotherapist).
Guyana is placed in Pool B alongside defending champions Jamaica, hosts Cayman Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. Pool A consists of Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and Barbados.
The tournament will be at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, a 3,000 seat stadium that is no stranger to international events.
Guyana will play their first match against Trinidad at 12:12h followed by Cayman Islands (14:46h) and Jamaica (17:20h).
