By Travis Seymour
November 23, 2024
Guyana’s national rugby team faced a challenging start at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championship in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago.
Competing in the Tier 1 bracket, the team suffered a 29-0 defeat against Canada on Friday, followed by a 21-10 loss to Barbados on Saturday.
Despite the losses, the Guyanese team showcased moments of brilliance.
Lionel Holder and Godfrey Pollydore managed two spectacular runs, scoring Guyana’s first tries of the tournament against Barbados.
However, costly fumbles prevented them from securing a victory.
The team, led by captain Godfrey Broomes and vice-captain Lionel Holder, also includes Rickford Cummings, Shawn David, Renaldo Niles, Yannick Williams, Tyreese Prescod, Valon Adams, Matthew Talbot, and Godfrey Pollydore.
Former national player Claudius Butts is coaching the squad.
With matches against Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, and host Trinidad and Tobago still to come on Sunday, Guyana will look to improve their standings in the tournament.
This year’s RAN Sevens features 18 teams divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories.
The Tier 1 men’s champion will secure a spot in the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series in 2025.
Additionally, the top two Tier 1 teams—excluding pre-qualified Canada—will earn a place in the Sevens competition at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games.