GRFU President Ryan Dey optimistic about the future of rugby

– urges Guyanese to remain safe

By Timothy Jaikarran

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely caused all sporting activities in Guyana to come to a standstill, including the full-contact sport of rugby. Newly-elected President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), Ryan Dey, was set to make big changes to the administration of that sport, but the pandemic has forced the decision to put sport on indefinite hold.

With the Public Health Ministry advising everyone to maintain social distancing of six feet, the GRFU boss is asking everyone to take the necessary precautions until it is safe to make extended social contact.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Dey answered a series of questions, and concluded by urging everyone to remain safe.
Q: How are the clubs coping, and what are they doing to pass the time?
A: The clubs are at a standstill right now, waiting on the reopening of the country. Some club members are trying to keep fit individually, and most players are keeping fit at home and at the National and Durban parks; this includes both males and females.
Q: What are some of the future plans you have envisioned for rugby after COVID-19 has ended?
A: I’d say that for the most part, the fitness and wellbeing of the players is as good as can be, given the entirety of the current situation. After COVID, we plan to have lots of rugby, and hope to see new faces in the national teams, both males and females. The union is especially focused on recruiting and retaining more female players.
Q: What do you want to say to the rugby fans about your future plans?
A: Thanks for your support for the past years. I hope you guys stay safe, and we look forward for your continued support.
More rugby again! That’s the only way to get the sport out there. Also, decentralisation of the sport! No more will rugby be played only in Georgetown; we need to expand our range in order to capture new and better talents.
Q: As a new president and your first time facing a pandemic, how have you coped in terms of crucial decisions?
A: Well, it wasn’t a very hard task, since this pandemic wasn’t isolated to Guyana alone. All decisions pertaining to rugby worldwide were halted for the most part. Now we have to institute the return to rugby protocols, which is dependent on the Government’s reopening plans.
Q: As the cases of COVID-19 begin to rise again, what message do you have for all athletes and citizens out there?
A: Well, it’s the same message from the Ministry of Public Health: Wear your face mask when you have to; keep washing your hands; if you have symptoms resembling COVID-19, contact the hotline and get tested. We all have a part to play in the eradication of this virus, and we have to come together to combat it; that’s the only way forward.