Trinidad and Tobago rugby can reap significant benefit from its rugby 7s participation at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games(CYG) says national under 18 rugby 7s team manager Rudolph Jack.
The T&T under 18 rugby team competed in the rugby 7s competition in the Isle of Man losing all six games the local youngsters played.
" Playing against Australia, England, South Africa, Canada and Sri Lanka(twice) was a great experience for the boys. They competed well and I could not complain about their mental toughness. They showed tremendous fighting spirit. The physical size ,strength and fitness of the other teams would have served as a motivation for our players to get into the gym. "
According to Jack the onus is now on the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union(TTRFU) to put in place the necessary programmes that will ensure that the under 18 rugby 7s training squad remain in training and development.
" The senior team played in the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2002. So it is not to say that the TTRFU would be hearing anything new when I say that a different approach is needed if we are serious about qualifying for the Olympics in 2016 and other big events such as Commonwealth Games."
Jack believes that there are players on the under 18 team who can progress to the senior team with the right guidance and preparation.
" Rugby 7s is for big ,strong ,skillful and fast athletes. Speed is important as is strength and power. The Isle of Man group now have a first hand appreciation of the requirements if they want to compete and win at the international level. I am confident they will carry those lessons as they move up into senior rugby"
On day one T&T lost to England(53-0), South Africa(62-0) and Sri Lanka(17-5).
In day two action T&T were defeated by Australia(53-0), Canada(60-7) and Sri Lanka(24-12).
England won the gold medal with South Africa taking silver and Australia the bronze medal
-Brian Lewis