GUYANA’S senior women’s national rugby team coach Theodore Henry, believes his ruggers stand an excellent chance of winning this year’s Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament in Mexico City.

The November 25-26 tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO) Games, 2018 Hong Kong Sevens, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 and Commonwealth Games.
“I like our chances, I think these girls can go all the way,” said Henry in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday ahead of the team’s session at the National Park.
Guyana’s ‘Green Machine’, the country’s senior men’s team, over the years had built a reputation of being the Caribbean’s most decorated and feared Sevens team, and are seven-time holders of the RAN title but, Henry believes that the female team could have been just as dominant if the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) had placed the same emphasis on their programme.
“This year, we have a solid team. Last year, we placed fifth and we had some old legs but the ladies did well. This time around, this team is much quicker and the ladies are responding well to training, so like I said, I like our chances,” Henry said.

Asked about the team’s preparations, Henry said the ladies had all been excited about training, and moreover, are making use with the lack of practice games.
The GRFU, despite having one of Guyana’s most consistent and successful sports team and programme, has always found themselves with a ‘hand out’ whenever they’re asked to feature internationally.
The lack of financing doesn’t allow for either team to travel and as such, they are forced to train and prepare at ‘home’.
“We’ve been playing against the guys, the U-19 team really,” Henry highlighted, and further stated, “playing against the guys helps with the speed and in sevens rugby, that’s very important. That’s one of the things that beat us in Mexico the last time. So, this time around, I think the girls will be ready.”
“I’m very proud of these ladies. They come out, train hard, push themselves and try to do all that I ask of them, so I know they will give their all in Mexico,” Henry added.
The Guyanese women are three-time holders of the RAN Sevens title.