TT rugby coaches pleased with performance

Larry Mendez, head coach of the fourthplaced men’s rugby team, declared: “I am absolutely proud of what the team did and the results did not dictate the entire story as it was very encouraging to see the team playing at this level even with seven players earning caps for the first time.” He articulated that the young players would only mature in time and hopes they use this as a learning experience and continue training to perform at the international level.

“I can only see this team doing well in the future and it was just one of those days as it is hard to lose on sudden death after 24 minutes in a 14 minute game, but that is part of life.

The team showed heart and I could not ask for more from the guys,” Mendez noted, as he looks forward to competing in various tournaments in 2017.

Head coach of the fourth-placed national women’s rugby team, Carlton Felix said: “This was TT ’s best performance to date at a regional championship, and I was very impressed with the girls as they left everything on the field.” Felix did make note that injuries and fatigue may have had an impact on his team but said he was not making excuses as he was delighted with what he saw in the two days.

The ‘Scarletts’, the nickname for the TT women, have a break from rugby duties as training is set to resume in January.