Kevin McKenzie’s name is synonymous with Guyana’s rugby success as a player.
Now in retirement, the Australia-based McKenzie will look to bring his winning pedigree back to the national team, this time as the Technical Director (TD).
Back on home soil vacationing, the 37-year-old was recently appointed Technical Director of the men’s national 7s and 15s teams by the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU).
The talismanic McKenzie is excited to bring his new leadership and direction to the wrinkled outfit.
“It’s with great honour to have this role, something I wasn’t or didn’t see coming, but I sure will give it my all, as I would love to see Guyana’s rugby back to the level if once was and beyond,” he declared.
McKenzie has played as a centre and a winger for the national U-16 team, the national senior team and the West Indies rugby team for a number of years. He also represented Guyana at the Commonwealth Games.
McKenzie, who has been residing Down Under for the past 12 years, has also played professionally in the Brisbane Premier League, and in leagues in Ireland and England during his illustrious career.
He plans to bring his wealth of knowledge and success to the team to reinstall the winning culture. “I want to change the way we play offensively and defensively and the culture within rugby in Guyana. I bring a lot of confidence, passion, ownership and experience to the team and rugby in general.
The father of Hayden and Caleb who both play rugby in Australia, will be tasked with setting the patterns on how the local team competes against opponents.
“I will be primarily working along with the coaches on how I want the team to play, defensively and offensively,” he said.
The former professional rugger said despite living Down Under, he is ready to work with the local coaches to chart a course for success in Guyana. He admitted that the game has evolved and continues to evolve since his playing days and therefore he will discuss ideas with the coaches as they plot the way forward.
“There will be a written plan as well as verbal communication. I will have a sit down with the coaches to share my ideas to them and listen to their ideas of us going forward because of where rugby is in Guyana at the moment.”
He added that the time difference will not be an issue since there will be a written plan and constant communication with the coaching staff to implement a playing philosophy.
