Latest update May 14th, 2026 12:35 AM
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Guyana seeking redemption- Adonis
Members of the National U-19 squad, seen practising the rudiments of tackling and how to absorb a tackle last Tuesday, at the National Park.
Coach of the National Under-19 rugby squad, Laurie Adonis in an interview with Kaieteur Sport yesterday revealed that Guyana will be seeking redemption this year at the NAWIRA tournament, slated to be staged in the Cayman Islands from July 4-10.
Adonis, who has been at the helm of the junior squad for quite sometime said that last year’s fourth place finish was a bit of a disappointment, and it also marked the first time that Guyana suffered losses in the tournament to Caribbean countries.
“Last year we lost to Cayman Islands and Jamaica and it was the first set of defeats to any Caribbean territory and it also ended a six-year unbeaten stretch,” Adonis disclosed.
According to him, the only teams that usually defeated Guyana were Canada and the USA, but blamed the disappointment on inexperience among the players, many of whom were appearing in the tournament for the first time.
The coach indicated that the aim this year is to go all the way and this declaration is strengthen by the fact that most of the players, who participated last year will be returning with many of them already exposed to a higher level, having played in senior club competitions.
“The bulk of last year’s team will be returning and I am banking on them to lead the way and help those who’ve joined the squad for the first time this year,” Adonis reasoned.
Responding to the question of where the team is in terms of its preparation, Adonis said it is hovering around 60 per cent and very shortly they were going to commence game simulations. “Right now, we are teaching them the correct way to tackle, how to absorb a tackle and how to fall and how to defend.”
He added that the team which will be reduced further about two weeks before departure was also seen doing unit drills, such as the forwards and defenders working by themselves and how to be aggressive in the scrums.
Adonis, who is being assisted by former West Indies player Theodore Henry, said he was very pleased with the size of the players this time, and referred to them as admirably receptive to what was being taught.
“Many members of the squad came from various other sport disciplines, especially athletics so they are well coordinated and easy to work with,” he mentioned.
Another aspect of the squad that has caught the attention of both coaches was speed, an important component in the game. Sessions continue at the National Park.
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