Kit Nascimento looks at a game-changing blueprint to revive rugby in Guyana

Oct 13, 2023 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – Renowned Communication Consultant and former President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), Kit Nascimento, has laid out a series of crucial recommendations aimed at revitalising local rugby in Guyana. These recommendations come in response to a noticeable decline in the state of rugby within the country, characterised by the absence of a functioning grassroots programme and inadequate funding, led by poor management leading to deterioration in player’s quality and underwhelming national team performances in recent years.

Former GRFU President, Kit Nascimento.

Nascimento’s recommendations stem from a deep concern for the current state of rugby in Guyana. He points out that the decline in the sport is primarily due to issues such as mismanagement, administrative incompetence, self-serving motives, and subpar coaching. In a candid conversation with Kaieteur Sports, Nascimento emphasized the urgency of addressing these problems to resurrect the sport’s former glory.

One significant move towards rectifying the situation is GRFU President Ryan Dey’s appointment of Kit Nascimento as Patron of the GRFU. In this role, Nascimento is already taking decisive steps to change the course of Guyana’s rugby landscape. His primary focus is on reviving the administration and reintroducing rugby into schools, a vital step in nurturing future talent.

Nascimento has also leveraged his connections and experience as an official at the Grenada World Sevens tournament to secure Guyana’s participation in this year’s event. This underscores the commitment to reclaim Guyana’s rugby standing on the international stage.

In addition to these changes, the choice of Claudius Butts as the new Sevens team coach represents another positive shift. Butts, a former captain of the Guyana Rugby team during their glory days, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role, particularly in Sevens rugby.

Nascimento also highlighted issues with the playing area at the national park, specifically the lighting and the condition of the restroom facilities. However, conversations with the Minister of Sport, Charles

Ramson Jr., have shown promise, as he has pledged support to address these concerns.

Guyana’s National Sevens Rugby team during a pervious practice session ahead of the Grenada’s World Sevens tourney.

Looking ahead to regional and international tournaments, Guyana is now gearing up for the Grenada International Seven’s 2023 championship. Nevertheless, funding remains a significant hurdle. A substantial amount of 9 million Guyanese dollars is needed to cover travel, accommodation, and associated expenses for the tournament.

To bridge this funding gap and restore rugby to its former glory, the GRFU is calling on the support of the Ministry of Sports and urging businesses and organisations to collaborate in their efforts. The shared vision is to revive the sport that once made Guyana a dominant force in Caribbean and Central American rugby, and an international sensation that proudly represented the country at the Commonwealth Games.

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Guyana, Guyana Rugby Football Union, Kit Nascimento, President, programme

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