jul.31.2007
The inclusion of rugby 7s on the programme of the 2011 Guadalajara,Pan American Games will boost the image of rugby in the Americas.That is the view of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) President Larry Romany.
Romany said although rugby 7s is on the Commonwealth Games programme the benefit of getting onto the Pan American games programme includes the possibility that National Olympic Committees may be encouraged to assist the development of the sport through Pan American Sport Organization (PASO )grants and coaching scholarships.
The T&T Olympic chief believes that rugby's Olympic credentials will be enhanced with increased acceptance of the sport in South and Central America, and the Caribbean.He however cautions that the sport cannot be complacent.
"The International Rugby Board(IRB) and its regional body will have to be proactive if rugby is to have an impressive debut in Mexico in 2011.The four years leading up to Guadalajara is important.Rugby will have to be promoted and developed in PASO countries .Rugby seized the day when given the chance on the 1998 Commonwealth programme and never looked back.It will have to do the same in Guadalajara"
Romany however expressed the hope that the IRB will make an effort to ensure that the qualification process is inclusive."It was difficult for Caribbean rugby teams to qualify for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games .The public image and popularity of the sport of rugby in the Caribbean will benefit from Commonwealth and Pan American participation."added Romany.