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CAC and Commonwealth Games the target

After some commendable performances in Hong Kong from a combined West Indies team, attention in the Caribbean can now turn to qualification for the 2010 Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Games and possibly the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Trinidad and Tobago's (T & T) main rugby objective this year is to capture the North America and West Indies Rugby Association (NAWIRA) Rugby 7s championship in both the men and women divisions. The 2009 NAWIRA 7s is scheduled to be held later this year in Mexico City, November 14-15th.

The NAWIRA 7s will be the qualifying tournament for the 2010 Central America and Caribbean(CAC) Games and possibly the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

TTRFU president Leslie Figaro believes that even in the face of the economic down turn the T&T teams will achieve their goals.

"I am confident and encouraged by the the willingness of our players and coaches to put in the required work. It is not simply a case of waiting for the TTRFU to do this and that. There are aspects of the training programme that the players are doing on their own. This shows that they are taking ownership of their fitness and skill development."

While acknowledging that the current economic environment will have its impact the local rugby chief is not worried.

"To achieve our objectives will require discipline and focus. There will be some fall out. But there are individuals who have the desire to step up to the plate. Whatever fall out there is, if any at all, will be to the benefit of T&T Rugby .In tough times commitment, dedication and the willingness and hunger to go the extra mile comes to the forefront."

According to Figaro, T&T Rugby has a history of excellence with the country qualifying for the IRB Under 19 Rugby championship in 2002. The men's national 7s team qualified for the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games, and the IRB World Sevens series event in Los Angeles in 2004. UT&T has held multiple titles at all levels of the game in the Caribbean.

"We have a history and tradition to maintain and improve. That pride and passion must be used to inspire and motivate this and future generations of rugby players. Even though rugby may not be considered in the same league as football, cricket and track and field to name but a few. We have also excelled."

Figaro says in recent years Rugby has enjoyed a renewal of interest at School and Community level. He credits this to the TTRFU's Youth Development Officers and the School Rugby Union.

"In addition to the School Union, we have community oriented programmes in Gasparillio, Maloney, Marabella, Princess Town, Tobago, Toco, Siparia, in addition to the work in Port of Spain and the East through the various clubs."

T & T host IRB Sevens Coaching Course

Trinidad and Tobago has also been chosen to host the first ever IRB Coaching Sevens Rugby Level 1 coaching course. Based on the results and feedback, final adjustments will be made before the manual and course material is completed and then distributed around the world by the International Rugby Board (IRB). The historic two day course will be held at the Cascadia Hotel, St. Ann’s on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March and starts at 9:00 a.m. on both days.

On Saturday the TTRFU will host a four team round robin 7s rugby tournament at the Harvard Grounds from 4:00 p.m. Course participants will use the 7s activity as part of their course work. Participating teams are Columbia University 1 and 2, University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and Rainbow.

The course will be delivered by Mike Luke, the IRB's Regional Training Coordinator, Scott Harland, NAWIRA Regional Development Officer and David Mays, IRB Coach Educator.

Fourteen coaches (11 locals and three foreign) will take the course.

Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) President, Leslie Figaro, said it was an honour for T&T to be given the opportunity to host the pilot course as it gave local coaches the opportunity to learn the modern and advanced coaching methods as it relates to 7s rugby.

"The fact that 7s rugby is trying to get back on the Olympic programme and is already on the Pan Am and Commonwealth Games programme is evidence that this version of the game will continue to grow in importance. The more coaches we (T&T) have certified means the greater the likelihood for significant improvement in the playing standard", added Figaro.