Guyana’s national men’s and women’s Rugby Sevens teams have received a timely boost in funding and resources from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport as they finalise preparations for the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championship in Trinidad and Tobago.The crucial tournament, scheduled from November 21 to 23 at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, Trinidad, serves as a direct qualifier for major international events, including the prestigious World Rugby SVNS pathway and the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo.Ministers Charles Ramson Jr. and Steven Jacobs met with the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) executives, players, and coaches this week, handing over new gear and financial support while reiterating the government’s commitment to the sport.The RAN Sevens is a critical competitive event. The winners of both the Men’s Tier 1 (MT1) and Women’s brackets will secure spots on the coveted World Rugby SVNS pathway, offering access to the sport’s elite circuit.Furthermore, the competition acts as a direct qualifier for the 2026 CAC Games:The top three MT1 teams (excluding Canada) will advance.The top two Women’s teams will secure qualification.In a further boost to preparations, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had secured free access for the national players to the high-level strength and conditioning facilities at Fitness 53, owned by former West Indies cricket captain Ramnaresh Sarwan.A key highlight of the Ministry’s engagement was the establishment of a new women’s rugby team, signalling an expanded pathway for female athletes—a development the sport has not seen in almost a decade.The women’s team, captained by Sabola Gray, will compete against five other nations, including Bermuda, Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados.GRFU President Ryan Dey expressed profound gratitude, noting that the level of government contribution and engagement is the most support the team has received in many years, helping to rebuild confidence and elevate the sport.The Men’s team, led by Lionel Holder, faces a challenging pool that includes regional heavyweights, defending champions Canada, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago.Historically, the Guyanese men have been a regional powerhouse, winning the RAN championship seven times, though they are currently undergoing a transitional phase.Both Ministers encouraged the athletes to carry Guyana’s flag with pride and determination, wishing them every success as they represent the nation on the regional stage.Women’s Team: Nicole Nero, Tiffany Pilgrim, Nikita Andrews, Mandy Browne, Sabola Gray (captain), Jalena ShepherdAniqah Powley, Tonya Smith, Carrey Carter, Serra Persaud, Alison Smiley, Sasha GreavesManagement: Laurie Adonis (Head Coach), Tricia Monroe (Assistant Coach) and Ryan Gonsalves (Manager)Men’s Team: Renaldo Niles, Shawn David, Jamal Angus (vice-captain), Mathew Talbot, Micheal Barrow, Jonathan Garnette, Lionel Holder (captain), Rahsaan Dathorn-Howell, Gavin McPherson, Tyresse Prescod, Godfrey PolleydoreYannic Williams, Elisha CrawfordManagement: Stephen Lewis (Head Coach), Claudius Butts (Assistant Coach) and Ryan Gonsalves (Manager)The post Sport Ministry gives Rugby timely boost ahead of RAN Sevens in Trinidad appeared first on News Room Guyana.