RUGBY ADDRESS

Feature Address delivered by Brian Lewis, Honorary Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee at the Jamaica Rugby Union, 2007 Award function held on Saturday 23^rd June at the NijaCub  Restaurant, Kingston, Jamaica.

 

Good Evening,

Let me first acknowledge the head table. Mr. Jacob Thompson, of the JRU, Mr. Foster representing sponsors Locker Room, Mrs. Garel, CEO of Kinetic Sports Management and President of the Jamaica Volleyball Association, Mr. Rohan Stewart, Secretary of the JRU, players, coaches, club officials, parents, well wishers and specially invited guests.

 

It is a privilege and an honour for me to be invited on this very special occasion to give the feature address. Your kind gesture is appreciated. I am delighted to see so many young men in the audience. Your presence augurs well for the future of rugby in Jamaica. I am well aware of the challenges you face and the choices that you have.

 

  There are those who consider rugby as a minor sport, nonetheless rugby is the sport for the future. Jamaica is the reigning Caribbean U 19 and Women’s rugby 7 and 15s champions. Your men’s team is the second ranked team in the Caribbean. Undoubtedly you have done very well in recent times. Your successes did not happen by chance. I am sure it came about because of hard work.

 

I know this evening is a happy occasion and you are celebrating you achievers, but I beg your indulgence while I share some personal thoughts with you. I am here in your beautiful country primarily to facilitate a strategic planning workshop hosted by your rugby union. - It was an excellent two days of candid and genuine discussions about the future of Jamaican rugby. Unfortunately some clubs thought it best to stay away. Those who did missed out on an important opportunity to contribute in a meaningful and constructive manner to the future of Jamaica rugby.

 

Earlier today I heard Mr. Thompson passionately voice his frustration. I appreciated the intensity of his feelings, but I also sensed his fear and I dare say his anguish. He seems to be deeply concerned that after 30 years and 15 million (Jamaican) dollars of his personal funds, his efforts could very well come to naught.

 

 Say what you want about Jacob Thompson; focus on his faults and what he may have done wrong. There is no doubt that he is strong willed and opinionated. I have not always agreed with him, but I have always recognised his deep and genuine concern not only for rugby in Jamaica but more importantly for the welfare of the young men and women who play the game here in Jamaica and for the underprivileged and inner city youth.

 

  I assure you not many persons in Caribbean Rugby - I say that with out fear of contradiction -has done financially for rugby in their country what Jacob Thompson has done for Rugby in Jamaica.

 

So I can well imagine what life for the Jamaica Rugby Union(JRU) without Jacob Thompson would look like if many of you present here tonight do not accept responsibility for the future of rugby in Jamaica. The JRU must grow up. Thirty years is a long time to take care of a child.

 

 A glance at the early history of Rugby in Jamaica reveals that like most Caribbean Countries the sport in its earlier incarnation was an elite sport. In this regard many of you here tonight would not have had the opportunity to play and benefit from this wonderful sport  were it not for Jacob’s vision and efforts. But I am not here to plead a special case for him as I am not aware that he seeks political office in your upcoming General Elections.

 

It is just that I have great respect and admiration for his selfless and tireless endeavour for Rugby in Jamaica. Mindful as I said earlier that he has his weaknesses but don’t we all.

 

Having said that, it is important for Jacob to recognize that he must assist the evolution by allowing the younger heads to take on more responsibility and in so doing allow them to make mistakes. That is the only way they will learn and grow. Experience is the greatest teacher. We learn best by doing.

 

I envy the young rugby players. This is a great time to be playing rugby. There are opportunities to travel the world and achieve personal and financial success as a professional rugby player. Prior to 1995 rugby was a strictly amateur sport.

 

Money however is not the sole answer. Money is a tool that can help you do things but it is not a panacea. The lack of money is not an obstacle, but it is a lack than can be used as an excuse.

 

Trinidad and Tobago-because of  its  stronger economy- may not face  the  financial challenges that you do .For over 20 years T&T dominated Caribbean rugby, second at times only to Bermuda. There is a long and proud rugby history in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

But for the Last three years Jamaica and Guyana have defeated Trinidad and Tobago. So!!  If money is the answer, what is the reason for T&T’s recent failures? Difficult as it has been to accept, it is perhaps the best thing to happen to T&T rugby. Sustained success can be the breeding ground for a sense of entitlement, arrogance, complacency and mediocrity.

 

 Achieving success is not for the faint hearted or the uncommitted.  A burning desire for success, hard work , the willingness to do whatever it takes (legally of course), pride, patriotism, commitment, discipline and determination  are priceless, more valuable than all the money in the world .

 

You may not know it or even want to accept it. But the USA and Canada under 19 rugby teams have to contribute to their travel although they are from developed and rich countries. Don’t assume it is a bed of roses for other NAWIRA countries. It bears repeating, the lack of money is not an obstacle it is an excuse.

 

You have the potential and the talent. Seize the day. Take responsibility for the future of rugby in Jamaica. Collectively the Jamaica rugby fraternity can achieve great things. But a chain is as strong as its weakest link.

 

 Put aside your differences and work to create a compelling and positive image for rugby in your country. Jamaica has a proud and glorious history  of success in sport, examples abound, Donald Quarrie, Asafa Powell, Merlene Ottey,Lenox Lewis, Mike Mc Callum, Your netball team and the Reggae Boyz footballers, Veronica Campbell just to name a few.

 

Let your Nation’s great history and tradition inspire and motivate you to be all conquering in Rugby.

 

Thank you for the courtesy of your attention.