THE country’s national female ruggers, once the darlings of Caribbean rugby will emerge from a period of dormancy to compete in this year’s Rugby Americas North 7’s championship.

The Guyanese ladies known as powerhouses in the region, won the first of their three titles in 2008 in Bahamas and the last in a consecutive run in 2010 at home in the National Park.

However, since that time the team has fallen off the wagon with their last participation coming in 2018 where they finished third place overall.

Since then, the individual players have made a resurgence competing in several regional club competitions.

A group has been reassembled and is a ready for their re-entry into the premier regional competition.

Former Green Machine skipper Ryan Gonsalves who is the team manager for both the men and women teams told Guyana Chronicle that they intend to have the women’s squad up at their peak in time for the 7’s tournament.

“We are working to have fit as possible and rugby ready in November, we have 90 per cent new players to rugby, so our job is to get them as best prepared as possible for the tournament, it’s a building process for us, this is good for rugby in general for Guyana,” he said.

Gonsalves who led Guyana to several regional men’s 7’s titles, says government support has been crucial for both RAN 7’s campaigns.

He added that the talent base for the male and female team is strong which should auger well for Guyana representation.

“Our goal is to get everyone fit, ready mentally and physically to represent Guyana as usual, we are going to enjoy every moment as the girls prepare for their first tournament after some time, we are just looking forward to corporate support from Guyana to have both teams travelling,” Ryan added.

He noted that there is much more regional engagement for women rugby and to make a start now will open more doors for the national ladies.

“it’s been a challenge, sports is a challenge but we are happy to have them onboard and we are going to be doing our best we can do and we are preparing for the best……our goal is to measure ourselves after being absent for some long to know where we are at, they will get more experience from playing more games.”

The men and women will be guided by the likes of Gonsalves, former west indies player Elwyn Chase, former regional skipper Claudius Butts and a yet to be named new international coach.

Photo name: Coach

Caption: Former Green Machine skipper Ryan Gonsalves is now the manager of both the male and female sides