BVIRU sending 12 to NACRA 7’s in Cayman Islands!
Working under Head Coach Sherlock “Salo” Solomon and strength and conditioning Coach Mike Noyes, the squad has been hard at work with regular training sessions in Baughers Bay as well as practice matches at Capoons Bay.
“It's been going great,” said Coach Mike. “I‘ve had the guys out at 5 A.M. lifting indoors and then two days a week we are on the field doing plyometrics and running. The improvement has been very noticeable with the team being more explosive. Strength and conditioning equate to longevity in the sport and also injury prevention and more importantly the team has been buying into the process.”
Captain Donovan Staples recognized the trip is one of the most exciting he could ever had imagined and was feeling confident ahead of next week’s departure. “We are travelling with a mixture of experienced guys and some of the younger ones and will be looking to put on a good show. We are confidant and have had some good results of late. First up is Jamaica and we hope to upset them before facing Bermuda.”
Austin Kiel is one of those younger players making his mark in the senior team. “So far this year it has been going really well. I hope we get some wins on the board in the Cayman’s and I’m looking forward to the whole experience and to learn new skills.”
Elmore Stoutt High Schooler, Kareem Etienne, only discovered a love for the game recently having been involved in Track and Field. His first tour was the trip to Barbados when he came home with the MVP Jersey. “A lot of my friends didn’t understand Rugby, but they and the likes of Mr Potter have all encouraged me and I am really enjoying it. This is another great opportunity for me and I hope to impress.”
The sevens tournament is probably the toughest competition the BVI has participated in and, apart from the Championship itself, also at stake is an invitation to take part in the CAC Games as well as Caribbean bragging rights.
“We will be playing the best in the Caribbean,” noted Salo, “We are in the same group as Jamaica, Mexico and Bermuda and its going to be tough. We have a fast and fit team, but are a work in progress and will have to be on top of our game in the Cayman’s.
Only two teams progress to the Championship round on Sunday so winning is paramount and although the losing teams also get more games towards a Caribbean Ranking, there is a lot at stake for “Salo” and his team.
“We are really a developmental squad,” he said. “We have a lot of youngsters coming through from the Under 19’s like Rory Thornton, Kiel, Noel Maxwell and Etienne. If we get them to play Rugby at the highest level at an early age then the game will be in good stead and I’m sure they will do the Territory proud.”
The final 12 players to make the trip have not been confirmed but are likely to be Federico Zicari, Andre Adams, Austin Keil, Donavon Staples (captain), Kareem `Burger´ Etienne, Grashaun Audain, Franklin Victor, Jerome Springette, Rory Thornton, Thomas Chapman, Andre Simons and Vivian Harry.
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