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National ruggers confident not cocky-Australia-based Kevin McKenzie
By Rawle Welch
Cautioning that the team is not cocky, but confident, Australia-based national
Members of the national team pose for photo op with GRFU President Peter Green (right) and other officials yesterday at Olympic House.
rugby player Kevin McKenzie, who returned to improve the potency of the team as they prepare to participate in the NACRA Sevens Tournament in Mexico, told the media yesterday that any team that scores against them should count themselves lucky.
“This is the best Guyana team that I’ve played with, it has more depth and I’ve never been more hyped going into a tournament like now,” McKenzie revealed to the media at Olympic House.
The Briefing which was called to announce the final composition of the squad to participate in the tournament also had in attendance members of the team, Guyana Rugby Football Union President Peter Green, Secretary Terrence Grant, manager Ret. Col. John Lewis and Head Coach Theodore Henry.
McKenzie, who is one of the most feared players on the team and who is returning to the squad since 2011 when asked about the reception he received on his return, said that the response from fellow members was positive, informing that the support he got is probably the best he has had.
“Everyone knows the importance of this tournament and what it means for rugby in Guyana and because we are going to win, opposing teams will have to look at us not us looking at them.”
Green under whose stewardship Guyana added the 15’s title to its burgeoning collection after years of trying, in his remarks spoke of the importance of returning with the title.
According to him, the recent success in the 15’s format, a version that had eluded them for a number of years, have really helped to transform the fortunes of the team, placing it in a very positive light, while also enabling the Union to gain much needed support readily in contrast to last year when a scarcity of funds prevented Guyana from confirming participation at the same event in the specified time.
The GRFU Head pointed to the amalgamation of assistance from the Government, Private Sector and the Guyana Olympic Association as tangible proof of a new era marked by success for the sport.
He congratulated the overseas-based players for answering the call to return to represent their country, adding that because the stakes are high they’ve responded positively.
Captain Gonsalves, who has been a very successful leader in his remarks, spoke of the high team spirit within the camp, while assuring those present that no team will be taken lightly.
“We are a very strong unit and everybody is sticking together as a team, we know each other well, having played together for so long so it’s just another tournament for us,” he stated.
Henry too spoke of the importance of winning the tournament which according to him will allow them to get back to playing at the highest level.
Guyana open up against nemesis Mexico who beat them the last time the two teams met.
They next face the Cayman Islands, before closing the Group stage with an engagement against St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Guyanese due to missing last year’s tournament is currently ranked 9th out of the twelve participating teams.
Meanwhile, the full squad is: Vallon Adams, Dwayne Schroeder, Avery Corbin, Richard Staglon (Vice-Captain), Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Leon Greaves, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Kevin McKenzie, Claudius Butts, Isiejah Allen and Patrick King. The two reserves are: Rickford Cummings and Lancelot Adonis.
The Manager is Ret. Col. John Lewis, Head Coach-Theodore Henry and Strength and Conditioning Trainer/ Physiotherapist- Barrington Browne.
The team departs next Friday and return on December 5.
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