Despite adversities, rugby teams regroup for CAC charge

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

The recent insurgence into west Kingston by the nation's forces, and the current state of emergency, has affected every facet of Jamaica's society, with sports being no exception.

The national rugby team, which is currently preparing for the XXI Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games that will be held from July 17 to August 1, has had its squad depleted and training affected as about 40 per cent of the squad are from that area.

"We had a minor setback because of the west Kingston upheaval, as a number of the players are from that community," said Lori Roach, Jamaica's rugby team manager.

"However, we made some adjustments and we are coping with what is going on down there, in terms of getting the players to training and trying to ensure that they get back in before curfew," he added.

No substitutes

Six Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) personnel were also invited to be part of the squad, but have been unable to take up the offer. One, Antonio Burke, would have been the coach for the female team and the assistant coach for the male team.

There was also a lone female invitee from the JDF, but she is also unlikely to make it.

"These two persons (Burke and female player) are critical to the overall team preparation, while we have automatically excluded the other four males," said Roach.

The team is currently in consistent training at St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) after having been forced to take a two-week break.

Roach said: "Currently, we have 12 persons in consistent training down by STATHS, but training has to start earlier. We now start training at 3:30 p.m., as opposed to 4:30 p.m.

"For the better part of two weeks we were unable to train. We just couldn't do anything because STATHS is in the vicinity, and we did not want to risk the players' safety," he added.

Two competitions

The team, which departs the island on July 21 for Guyana, will be playing in two competitions - the CAC Games and the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Sevens competition.

Jamaica's opening game in the CAC Games will be against Trinidad and Tobago on July 24, while the NACRA competition will commence on the 29th.

The women's team will arrive in Guyana on July 24, as they will be participating in the NACRA tournament.

"These tournaments are geared at improving our ranking. Currently, we are ranked sixth within the Caribbean and, of course, qualification for Pan Am Games 2011," said Roach.

"Going into the CAC Games, we are working towards a medal but as far as rugby in Jamaica is concerned, it is a rebuilding process," he added.