Nero: Senior players should take T&T U 21 Game Serious
Dec.10.2009
A Murray Roulston prepared and coached Trinidad and Tobago U 21 rugby team will scrum down against a Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) President 15s on Saturday at the St Mary's College Grounds. Kick-off 4pm. The “Junior Calypso Warriors” will comprise past and present national U 19 rugby team members and other interested youngsters who attended the first screening and training session held on 30th October.
According to Curtis Nero, TTRFU Chairman of selectors and national senior team manager, the TTRFU will use Saturday’s game to identify players to be selected for the National senior rugby team pathway programme.
“ The players called up to the President’s 15 and other senior team players will be aware that there are a number of national team engagements next year and places are up for grabs. We have to start looking to the future. There are senior team players who are not meeting the physical and mental standards expected .Changes have to be made. I would not take Saturday’s game lightly if I were a current national senior team player.” cautioned Nero
Meanwhile, Roulston said he is pleased at the attitude and willingness to learn shown by the U 21s during the six weeks under his direction. He however cautions that the real test for his team will come on Saturday.
“What defines a player is his or her mental toughness and appetite for the physical challenge that comes with rugby union, the self –discipline to work hard and maintain team patterns and shape, the composure to display rugby intelligence under pressure, and the desire, courage and commitment to winning-for T&T rugby to achieve its full potential. That journey must begin in the hearts and minds of the players. I am looking forward to Saturday’s match.” Said Roulston
The experienced and knowledgeable New Zealander came to T&T to conduct an audit and evaluation of T&T Rugby. His three month stint ends next week. The Ministry of Sport sponsored project is aimed at identifying a way forward for T&T rugby.
A former assistant coach of the New Zealand based Hurricanes and Highlanders Super 14 professional rugby union teams. The former Director of Coaching for the Otago Rugby Union was the assistant coach of the Hurricanes for five seasons and one season with the Highlanders He has assisted with the coaching of the Otago NPC side and New Zealand Colts and was a Technical Advisor for the 2006 Vodaphone Wellington Lions in the Air New Zealand Cup competition. He has also had stints in Japan and Romania.
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