As an avid fan of sports in general, I have been following the efforts of our local rugby team. I do think that as a sporting public, we do not give enough creadance to the tremendous efforts our 'ruggers' provide on behalf of TNT.
I think it ois time we move to come out and wave the flag for our SOCA RUGBY Warriors.
TT rugby woes similar to rest of world
Wednesday, August 16 2006
TNT Newsday
WELL-KNOWN Canadian Rugby coach Dr David Docherty said problems faced in the sport in Trinidad and Tobago are similar in countries all over the world.
In an interview Docherty whose visit here was made possible by the International Rugby Board (IRB) for the purpose of enhancing the development of rugby in the twin-island republic, told Newsday Trinidad and Tobago is not alone.
He pointed out the main problem facing this country is the absence of a professional league competition, which would also assist in shaping the mind-set of the players involved.
In addition he also made it clear that the standard of play at the league structure also needed improvement.
The Canadian rugby boss told Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) secretary Brian Lewis, the country was not keeping pace with the fast-moving rate of change by international countries.
“In other words we are playing a system of play that has been outdated,” Docherty said.
He added, “I went to look at a few matches and the players either have not been informed enough or seriously lack the fitness to keep up with the modern game.”
Docherty has been mandated by the IRB to work with both the men and women national teams with a view to helping with the technical aspects of the game.
He is suggesting that the girls play a lot more matches in the 15s format of the game.
Docherty noted that the girls are accustomed playing the 7s format and therefore need to face action in the 15s to be able to compete internationally.
The local women under coach Kitty Andrews won the Caribbean Championship last year when they defeated Guyana in the final.
And currently, Andrews and her troops have been hard at work comprising a gym-session from 5 am to 9 am daily, backed up by on-the-field practice during the afternoons.
Lewis praised the women for their commitment and pointed out that if the TT men were half as committed as their female colleagues, they would have been a lot more successful.
He claimed that for the last 25 years, TT has commanded either a first or second position in the regional standing.
He added that of late the TT rugby men have been unable to secure one of three top places in the region which reflects the disappointing drop in the standard being produced here.
“This is why the IRB has seen it fit to assist in rescuing the country from a further downward slide” Lewis said.
According to Docherty, the IRB also has a mandate to try and place all teams on level standard in the international rugby world.
He outlined a number of recommendations that will improve TT’s chances for a place in the World Cup in the future.
Among those recommendations is increasing the level of competition and exposing the game to as many interested players.