National ruggers intensify preparations for Vegas trip

Jan 14, 2011 Sports

The national rugby squad has begun to intensify preparations for the upcoming IRB International Sevens Series scheduled for February 12-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
According to National Coach Theodore Henry, the squad shortlisted by the Guyana Rugby Football Union is midway of the second phase of the preparatory programme initiated by him as they await the arrival of Technical Director Spencer Robinson from Canada at month end.
“This phase entail increasing the workload of physical training, aerobics to make the body more flexible and a lot of strengthening exercises along with field work,” Henry stated.
Henry, who also spearheaded the national team’s preparations ahead of their departure for the Commonwealth Games last year is optimistic that the planned programme will be completed in time and Guyana will be fully prepared for the high level tournament which brings together the best exponents of Sevens rugby in the world.
Henry further disclosed that the team will also be engaged in ball handling drills, speed development and strength endurance over the next week.
“Basically I’m the one who developed the programme and it is being monitored by Director of Sevens Mike McCormack.”
Meanwhile, quizzed of who’re some of the players that will replace the three players (Kevin McKenzie, Albert LaRose and Dwayne Schroeder) that were banned, Henry informed that the final team has not been chosen as yet, but Troy Bascom, Ryan George and Leon Greaves will vie for the scrum half position.
He mentioned that Peabo Hamilton and Ronald Mayers will replace McKenzie, while Schroeder’s spot will be competed for among Vallon Adams, Avery Corbin, Jermaine Prowell, Jason Tyrell or Elwin Chase.
The squad will be engaged in a game simulation tomorrow from 10:00 -12:00 hrs at the National Stadium.
Guyana is grouped with current leaders in the Series England, while France and Uruguay made up the other teams in the division.