… GRFU names 23-man squad

THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) yesterday named its 23-man squad for the May 13 engagement against Barbados in the Land of the Flying Fish.
Guyana, the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s South Zone champions, will begin their title defence quest at the Garrison Field, in a game the team’s head coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart said he is optimistic of a positive result.
The last time Guyana faced Barbados, the Guyanese ruggers walked away 39-5 at the National Park, but this time around, Grant-Stuart said he’s expecting a tough match-up from the ‘Bajans’, especially given the fact that they will be playing at home.
“We all know Barbados are a team with size, so that’s their strength. Everyone knows Guyana rely heavily on speed and agility; so we’re working on some strategy for when they try to contain tha,” Grant-Stuart told Chronicle Sport.
Known as the ‘Green Machine’, Guyana’s national rugby players are more popular for their success in the game’s shorter version – Sevens – but are also a force to be reckoned with in 15s Rugby.
Grant-Stuart pointed out that he’s pleased with the composition of the squad, adding, “We have Vallon Adams coming in as well as Ahmed Isaacs. They’re both playing in the USA and only last week had competition. We have both speed and toughness to match Barbados, so as it relates to the squad, we’re good. Just fine-tuning some stuff before we leave.”
Guyana’s 15s ruggers will wing out for Barbados tomorrow, ahead of their showdown on Saturday. The Guyanese will return home on Monday.

The Green Machine will then face foes Trinidad and Tobago at the National Park Rugby Field on June 10 in a rematch of last year’s South Zone final. The last time the two countries met, Guyana walked away 23-18 winners.
The Green Machine are the current runners-up to Mexico in the Regional RAN 15s Championships as well as Current RAN 7s Caribbean Champion.
Squad:: Ryan Gonsalves (captain), Richard Staglon (vice-captain), Avery Corbin, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Godfrey Broomes, Dwayne Schroeder, Sean Phillips, Vallon Adams, Ahmed Isaacs, Rondel McArthur, Jason Tyrell, Allain Crawford, Kevon David, Jamal Angus, Troyton Braithwaite, Patrick King, Joseph Rahaman, Cyon Kitt, Toby David, Osie Mckenzie, Rickford Cummings and Blaise Bailey.