The National men’s and women’s rugby squads have intensified preparation for the NAWIRA (North American, West Indies Rugby Association) Sevens championships billed for November 17-19 in The Bahamas.

Guyana are the defending men’s champions and the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has short listed a squad of 20 players to defend the title, while 20 players are also training on the women’s squad.

Officials of the GRFU disclosed that the squads are likely to be trimmed in two weeks time with 11 players being named to each team.

Local Referee Conrad Arjoon will officiate in the championships.

Training sessions are taking place Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with Fridays set aside for Indoor sessions and Saturdays for practice matches.

Laurie Adonis is the coach for the women’s squad, while Alton Agard and Sherlock Solomon are in charge of the men’s squad.

The players in training with the men’s squad are: Albert LaRose, Algernon Felix, Christopher Singh, Claudius Butts, Cloyd Prowell, Dane Parks, Delroy Gordon, Dwayne Schroeder, Elwin Chase, Jason Tyrell, Kevin McKenzie, Peabo Hamilton, Richard Staglon, Ronald Mayers, Ryan George, Theodore Henry, Troy Arjoon, Troy Bascom, Cordell Reynolds and Jason Alleyne.

The women’s squad: Abigail Tinnis, Alicia Jahlu, Andrea Lashley, Carrin Carter, Desaun Josiah, Fiona Ward, Maurees Skeete, Karen Norville, Latoya Hamilton, Laurel Anderson, Lisa Mangroo, Natoila Primo, Nicole Nero, Nikita Davis, Sabalo Gray, Tracey Greaves, Tricia Munroe, Carren Skeete, Shabana Daniels and Shanelle Daniels.