Figaro:T&T Rugby remains focused on its objectives

Trinidad and Tobago's main rugby objective this year is to capture the NAWIRA Rugby 7s championship in both the men and women divisions.The 2009 NAWIRA 7s is scheduled to be held later this year in Mexico City ,November 14-15th.   In addition the T&T Women's team will  travel to Barbados in July to defend their Caribbean 15s rugby title.While the T&T Under 19 team will be heading to Cayman Island in June .Their objective will be to win the Caribbean title and qualify for the 2010 International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior World Trophy.   The NAWIRA 7s will be the qualifying tournament for the 2010 Central  America and Caribbean(CAC)  Games and possibly the 2010 Commonwealth Games.   TTRFU president Leslie Figaro believes that even in the face of the economic down turn aside the T&T teams will achieve their goals .   " I am confident and encouraged by the the willingness of our players and coaches to put in the required work.It is not simply a case of waiting for the TTRFU to do this and that. There are aspects of the training programme that the players are doing on their own.This shows that they are taking ownership of their fitness and skill development."   While acknowledging that the current economic environment will have its impact the local rugby chief is not worried.   " To achieve our objectives will require discipline and focus.There will be some fall out.But  there are individuals who have the desire to step up to the plate.Whatever fall out there is,if any at all,will be to the benefit of T&T Rugby .In tough times commitment,dedication and the willingness and hunger to go the extra mile comes to the forefront."   According to Figaro,T&T Rugby has a history of excellence.This country qualified for the IRB under 19 rugby championship  in 2002.The men's national 7s team qualified for the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games, and the IRB World Sevens series event in Los Angeles in 2004.T&T has  held multiple titles at all levels of the game in the Caribbean.   " We have a history and tradition to maintain and improve.That pride and passion must be used to inspire and motivate this and future generations of rugby players.Even though rugby  may not be considered in the same league as football,cricket and track and field to name but a few.We have also excelled."   Figaro says in recent years Rugby has enjoyed a renewal of interest at School and Community level.He credits this to the TTRFU's Youth Development Officers and the School Rugby Union.   In addition to the School Union.We have community oriented programmes in Gasparillio,Maloney,Marabella ,Princess Town,Tobago,Toco,Siparia. In addition to the work in Port.of.Spain and the East through the various clubs.