nov.19.2009
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) president Larry Romany is disappointed that T&T failed to qualify for Rugby 7s at next year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi,India.But he believes that the lessons learned must be the catalyst for a Gold medal for T&T Rugby 7s at next year's Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC).
T&T lost - 12-10 -to Guyana in the NACRA 7s championship final last weekend in Mexico City.it was the second straight year that Guyana beat T&T in the NACRA 7s final.
" The team narrowly missed qualifying for Delhi.But with eight months to go before the CAC.I am confident that the necessary analysis will be done and corrections made. "
Romany told ttoc.org that the T&T rugby team must meet the TTOC's fitness criteria.
"For the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games ,the T&T rugby players struggled to meet the fitness criteria. This will not be accepted this time. Rugby has had 13 years to change its training ethic. The players on the T&T national rugby team must take personal responsibility for their fitness. If they are not willing to commit and dedicate themselves . They will not attain the required beep test score of level 14 .It is about having the discipline and mental toughness.The days of the TTOC tolerating beep test scores of level 12 and under are long gone."
He noted that the Ministry of Sport had assisted Trinidad and Tobago Rugby by bringing into the country a Technical Advisor from New Zealand( Murray Roulston).
" It is a good move. Congratulations to the Ministry and TTRFU.That is what is needed. Someone with a high level coaching and development pedigree. The TTRFU now have someone who can set up and deliver a High Performance Unit.This was lacking before. They(TTRFU) needed some one with practical elite level credentials to assist the local coaches and players."said Romany
The TTOC will hold its first fitness test on Saturday 28 November at a venue to be confirmed. Following an analysis of the test results. The TTOC will provide the sport science support needed to ensure that the fitness standards are met.