Staglon misses the cut

Four Guyanese have been included in the West Indies 12-member rugby team that will contest the International Rugby Board (IRB) World Sevens Series tournament billed for San Diego, California, February 10 and 11.

The Guyanese on the team are Trinidad-based Kevin McKenzie and locally-based Albert La Rose, Claudius Butts and Theodore Henry. Another Guyanese rugger, Richard Staglon was named as a non-travelling reserve.

Five Guyanese players were part of a 16-man initial squad that was invited to the twin island republic last weekend to vie for selection in the final team, which comprises 12 players and a travelling reserve. Trinidad’s Andre Carbera was identified as the travelling reserve.

The other team members are Trinidadian Graeme Alkins, Jason Clarke and Kelson Figuero; Barbados’ Antonio Gibbons and Kurt Johnson; Tom Healy and Derek Hurdle of Bermuda and Devon Woodside of The Bahamas.

Henry, Staglon’s captain at one stage of his career, told Stabroek Sport yesterday that Staglon’s omission is as disappointing as it is shocking but that is now history and the team now has to focus on the stiff competition ahead.

“I was a bit disappointed at the shocking news that Richard was not selected,” Henry said. The one-time Guyana captain expressed confidence, however, in the team selected while making it clear that the team’s intention is to make an impression in the tournament.

“I am looking for excellent performances in San Diego. We are hoping to make a statement and leave knowing that people are thinking that the West Indies can play rugby that is of world class,” Henry said.

The well-built scrum half and hooker said that he is comfortable in the team and making the final 12 was no surprise for the four top Guyanese players. The four players selected were part of the 2006 contingent that competed in the tournament last year.

Albert LaRose, a seasoned campaigner described his role in the team as “important”. He said that his task besides playing in his position is to communicate with the corresponding players so that effective plays can be created.

“I am one of the most important players in the team because of my position – my position is critical – I have to push the ball in the back and to do that I have to communicate with my teammates,” LaRose, also a scrum half said.

“It’s always an honour to serve your country, imagine playing for the entire region. I am very excited,” an exuberant LaRose said, adding that he plays well among his countrymen and three others are on the team. Butts plays wing while McKenzie’s position is centre – wing.

The local national coach, Sherlock Solomon told Stabroek Sport yesterday that the players have learnt a lot from the camp. He said that the gelling of the players from the various countries was necessary before they come together for the tour.

“The guys have learnt a lot and they did a lot of preparation – preparation is expected to improve significantly in this week,” the rugby coach indicated. “We still have a week here to go and our task will be to just keep them focused”.

Solomon gave some insight into what may have influenced the selection of the four players in the West Indies squad for the second consecutive year.

He said that Butts has been bursting with confidence in the last season and is expected to dominate his position. He said that McKenzie has discovered his true potential and is a major asset to the team.

According to Solomon, Henry and LaRose are arguably the best in the Caribbean in their positions and have been the playmakers in the team for quite sometime. The coach said that Henry is tough while LaRose is a quality player.

The selected players had to satisfy stringent fitness requirements essential for competitive rugby on the world stage prior to being considered for selection over the last weekend.

Solomon expressed optimism for his charges last week before the commencement of the camp this weekend. He had hoped that all five players would be selected but one got the axe – newcomer Staglon.

The players are expected to remain in full training until the team gathers again in Trinidad and Tobago to leave the Caribbean on February 5. The team will undergo a week of training in San Diego ahead of the tournament.

Conyers Dill & Pearman of Bermuda along with Butterfield Bank based in The Bahamas sponsored the West Indies team.

The International Rugby Board and host union, USA, contributed the full cost of travel and accommodation for the team’s participation at a cost of over US$30,000.