The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has shortlisted 26 players, both local and overseas-based, to commence an intense 8-week training camp with an eye on the 2024 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens competition set for November later this year.
Historically, the Guyana national team, the ‘Green Machine’, has always favoured the Sevens format with much success in the past.
The competition returns to Trinidad and Tobago for the first time since 2016. The two-day event is slated to take place on November 23 and 24 in Arima at the Larry Gomes Stadium.
Meanwhile, the overseas-based players are Vallon Adams, Kevin Braithwaite, and Matthew Talbot. The local contingent will include the likes of Owen Adonis, 15s captain Jamal Angus, Godfrey Broomes, Scott Garraway, and Lionel Holder.
After the shortlist was announced by the GRFU, Stabroek Sports reached out to President Ryan Dey for his thoughts on the players that had been called up.
“The players shortlisted are the best players in the country, along with some of the best players from the USA. With a mixture of experience and youth, we are looking to get a fit, strong, and skilled team to Trinidad and Tobago come November 23 and 24”, he said.
The training sessions are expected to get underway next Monday (July 8), with a focus on strength and conditioning.
Heading up the coaching staff will be former national player Claudius Butts, while former skipper Ryan Gonsalves and Elwin Chase will be his assistants.
The shortlisted players are as follows: Vallon Adams (Overseas), Owen Adonis (Police), Jamal Angus (Panthers RFC), Michael Barrow (Police), Kevin Braithwaite (Overseas), Godfrey Broomes (Panthers RFC), Leon Cole (GDF RFC), Elisha Crawford (Caribs RFC), Rickford Cummings (Police), Shawn David (Police), Odida Douglas (Police), D’Arcy Durant (Panthers RFC), Michael Edwards (Panthers RFC), Jonathan Garnet (GDF RFC), Scott Garraway (Police), Tevin Garraway (Police), Kelvin Grant (GDF RFC), Lionel Holder (Police), Peabo Hamilton (GDF RFC), Akino James (GDF RFC), Kenyon Moe, Sean Phillips (GDF RFC), Ronaldo Niles (GDF RFC), Osbert Robertson (GDF RFC), Makayah Smith (Panthers RFC), Matthew Talbot (Overseas).
Meanwhile, the management team comprises Head Coach Claudius Butts, Assistant Coaches Elwin Chase and Ryan Gonsalves, and Technical Director Alwin Etwa. (Michelangelo Jacobus)
