US$20,000 in funding still needed

Guyana’s senior men’s rugby team, the ‘Green Machine’ have been busy preparing for this year’s Grenada International 7’s tournament, which will be held on Friday December 1st and Saturday December 2nd in the ‘Spice Isle of the Caribbean’,

A total of 30 ruggers are training multiple times a week, vying for a spot in the final 12 that will make the trip to represent the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) and, according to head of the Union, Ryan Dey, he is pleased with the constant improvement with the players.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Dey mentioned that, “So far, I am impressed with the level of fitness and the quality of rugby we are seeing. The guys are really giving their all, so I foresee selecting the final 12 will be a difficult task for the selectors.”

Dey also added that selection will be even tougher than anticipated since, “We will have five players coming in from the United States who play 1st division rugby.”

“They will be coming in from the 14th to the 27th to be with the team and train. I want it to be made clear that these guys have not made the team yet. They are coming to train with us to see if they can earn a spot.”

Dey relished the opportunity and sees it as positive. He posited that, “The GRFU is happy with this development because the overseas players may put some pressure on the local guys and everyone will raise their game.”

Three of the five overseas players that will be in training with the local squad have been confirmed. They are Tyresse Prescott, Matthew Talbot and Von Adams.

In terms of funding, the GRFU’s budget for the tournament is US$44,000 and they have raised around US$25,000 including contributions from John Fernandes Ltd, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and a US$5000 pledge from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).