Source: www.newsday.co.tt
PRESIDENT of the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) Leslie Figaro said the Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Limited’s sponsorship of the Championship Division is proving to be a huge success.
In a release yesterday Figaro said “The stature and credibility of the competition has certainly been enhanced since Toyota began their sponsorship in 2008. Locally and internationally Toyota’s reputation is that of a premier brand that stands for discipline, excellence, innovation and integrity.”
He added there has also been a renewed interest among the clubs in Trinidad and Tobago.
The ongoing rugby play-offs continue this weekend with exciting match-ups at various grounds at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain and St James.
Among the games today will be; Caribs versus Harvards at Savannah III; Royalians taking on Rainbows at Savannah II and Police coming up against Stag Trinidad Northerns at the St James Police Barracks.
Figaro explained that there have been more incentives for players due to an increase in titles up for grabs.
“The Sir Solomon Hochoy Trophy has been the traditional prize. This season, in addition to the Solomon Hochoy silverware, the winner will also lift the Toyota Cup.”
He assured that the TTRFU will make every effort necessary to ensure that the discipline and standard at the championship are of the highest quality.
“We have mandated all stakeholders, the clubs, players, coaches and referees to pay attention to the laws of the game and particularly the behaviour of players, coaches and supporters. There is work to be done but the TTRFU’s partnership will be the catalyst for change.”
The TTRFU has been on a drive to enhance the development of the game here.
This includes raising the awareness of the sport, assisting clubs improve their knowledge of the laws of the game as well as knowledge of the International Rugby Board charter and code of conduct principles and world anti-doping rules.
He made it clear the local rugby union has absolutely no intentions of leaving anyone out of their development drive.
Figaro called on all clubs to give a helping hand in correcting the behaviour and conduct that are not in line with the established and expected standards of Toyota, the IRB and the TTRFU.
In addition Figaro said the TTRFU is also committed to ensuring that these standards are enforced at domestic competition.
“My vision is for the Toyota championship to be the flagship club competition in the Caribbean. A destination for the best players, coaches and rugby clubs,” said Figaro.