feb.08.2007
Wayne Kelly, the 2006 TTRFU, Rugby player of the year says he is honoured and privileged to be rugby's nominee at the First Citizens Sportsman of the year award.
The Harvard rugby team flanker admitted that he was surprised to win the prestigious rugby award."I know I had a great year for my club,the highlight was our defeat of Trinidad Northern in the Marcus Minshall quarter final round. My coach [Larry Mendez] demands a lot of me and I tried all season to answer his call and that of my team.But winning the player of the year was not a goal for me. Contributing to Harvard having a winning season and retaining my place on the National rugby team were my objectives" said Kelly.
The Morvant resident started playing rugby four years ago at the insistence of boy hood friend Jason Kalloo. "I played football and basketball but Jason encouraged me to try rugby. I did and fell in love with the sport. I love everything about the game,tackling most of all and scoring tries".
The 2006 rugby season however had its low moments for Kelly who was dropped from the T&T rugby team , a major disappointment for a young man who took great pride in wearing the National colours. "It was not for loss of form or anything performance related. I just could not get time off from work to regularly attend National training. I cannot express the hurt I felt when Mr Nero [TTRFU ,Chairman of Selectors]told me I was not selected. I am hoping it does not happen this year"added Kelly.
Kelly also revealed that Harvard's loss to Caribs in the knockout semi finals along with defeat to Rainbow in the Classic Caterers 7s final count as other low points for him. "I had sleepless nights thinking about those two games "
As he looks ahead to the 2007 season Kelly said he is motivated to work even harder to ensure that he fulfills his potential and avoid complacency.
"Winning one rugby player of the year award does not make me great. I still have a lot to learn technically and tactically. I also have to improve my fitness. My goal this year is to help Harvard win the Sportflex Championship and T&T win the Caribbean 15 and 7s rugby Championship"