Green Machine focusing on developing speed and mobility

By Akeem Greene

The National Rugby team, the Green Machine have begun preparations for the Hong Kong Sevens in April and according to Head Coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart, his aim will be to improve the players’ speed and mobility so as to make the team more competitive on the international circuit.
Grant-Stuart is of the view that the team needs to be grouped early as to allow each member to definitively know their role which would correspond in them being able to play with the required speed on that level of Rugby.
“I’m looking forward to have the team in early so the guys can jell, so the union needs to put all systems in place so we can have the team in early and achieve the togetherness which can push us forward,” the Coach explained.

He added, “Everyone plays an important part and it is necessary to get everyone early so they can know their role.”
Former captain Ryan Gonsalves has stated that at the Caribbean level, where Guyana has dominated in both 7s and 15s, the reaction time is around three seconds while for most international teams it is just one second.
The unit which stormed to their eighth Caribbean sevens title last year, is planning to use the improvement in speed and mobility to counterbalance the lack of psychical power in the team.
“We are working on in terms of speed and better mobility to combat the size issue, nevertheless, we are trying to get some robust men to be in the line-up.”
The men Grant-Stuart is referring to are the trio of the experienced Kevin McKenzie, Rupert Giles and Rondell McArthur.
In retrospect to performances last year, the coach feels that players are cognisant of what they need to improve if they seek to have fruitful showing at the tournament.
“What we encountered in Trinidad, we realize our game has to be more physical because it is a higher level of competition, the guys are aware of their requirements and everyone is mentally prepared and the guys are ready to reach that level,” he revealed.
The squad currently has a training regime led by trainer Barrington Brown, whereby they practice in the National Park five days per week aimed at improving strength and conditioning.
The Squad reads: Avery Corbin, Blaise Bailey, Claudius Butts, Dwayne Schroeder, Godfrey Brooms, Jamal Angus, Kevin McKenzie, Lancelot Adonis, Osaie McKenzie, Patrick King, Peabo Hamilton, Richard Staglon, Rickford Cummings, Ronald Mayers, Rupert Giles, Ryan Gonsalves, Rondell McArthur and Vallon Adams.