WITH just three weeks to go before the Guyana Rugby Sevens Men’s National team takes on the might of Central America and Caribbean Rugby on July 24 and 25 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, and prepare to defend its four-year reign as Caribbean Sevens Champion on July 29 and 30, the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has announced its last 17 players to be encamped at the Splashmin’s Resort and Eco Camping Ground from July 18 to 21.
Splashmin’s has donated the camp facilities for the occasion.
Heading the list is Guyana’s and former Rugby West Indies captain, Claudius Butts. Butts will lead a formidable and very fast backline, including Kevin McKenzie, who plays professionally for the English Club Bracknell and has flown home for the two tournaments, Dominic Lespierre, English professional Rugby Union and League player, who flies in to join the team on the 18th, Ronald Mayers, joining the team from Trinidad and Tobago, Christopher Singh, Dane Parks, Troy Bascom, Ryan Gonsalves, Peabo Hamilton and possibly Albert LaRose who is currently in Canada.
Coach/Player, Theodore Henry, also a former Rugby West Indies player, will lead a tough and mobile forward line. He will be supported by Rupert Gilkes, now playing for Loughborough University in England, Richard Staglon and Ryan Hinckson, who will join the team in Trinidad, former Rugby West Indies player Elwin Chase who played professionally for Burkenhead Park in England, Walter George and Dwayne Schroeder.
Technical Director and Rugby West Indies coach, Joe Whipple, will fly in from Barbados to take charge of the final training and preparation. Team Manager Robin Roberts will be in charge of camp management and Director of Sevens, Mike McCormack will be responsible for overall team administration.
The selection of the final players who will represent Guyana at the CAC Games will be announced by the Chairman of the Selectors, Mike McCormack, at the conclusion of the camp.
Immediately following the CAC Games the GRFU will announce the final 12 to defend Guyana Caribbean Championship.