“We’re on a mission to redeem ourselves” said Theodore Henry, Coach of the National 7’s team who departed Guyana yesterday, bound for Mexico City where they will compete in the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 7’s Championship from December 3 – 4.

Speaking to reporters before the team’s departure at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters in Georgetown, Henry said that the team is more than ready and are raring to go in Mexico as they seek to recapture the NACRA 7’s title.

Guyana held the trophy for six consecutive years (2006 – 2011) before losing to Mexico in the finals in 2012. Lack of funding kept the team out of the tournament last year but this time around, heavy corporate and private support, along with a $4M contribution from the Government of Guyana, ensured that the region’s best Rugby nation is represented in the Spanish speaking country.

Despite the inclement weather experienced across the country, Henry said that it didn’t damper the team’s preparation, since moving indoors at the National Gymnasium provided them with the conditions they will experience in Mexico.

Ryan Gonsalves, captain of the team said that this is one of the best teams ever assembled by the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) and that the team is aware of what’s at stakes in competing at the Championship, unlike their previous years.

President of the GRFU Peter Green also echoed the sentiments expressed by the coach and team Captain, and said that failure is not an option, as Guyana seeks to play at the 2015 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro.

Full Squad: Vallon Adams, Avery Corbin, Dwayne Schroeder, Richard Staglon, Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Leon Greaves, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Kevin McKenzie, Claudius Butts, Isiejah Allen and Patrick King.

Coach: Theodore Henry, Colonel John Lewis (Manager) and Phillip Browne (Strength and Conditioning Trainer/Physiotherapist).