The new Executive Committee of the Trinidad & Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) has been working consistently since being elected by the Management Committee on May 10, 2021. Building on the work of the past administration, continuity has been a key element in the transition.
The National Technical Teams are preparing for the National Rugby Teams to return to training. The National Programmes have expanded under the leadership of the Technical Directors of High Performance. In addition to including forty percent representation of women in key roles, an unprecedented twenty-seven members representing six teams, are eager to utilise virtual means to begin education compliance ahead of in person National Training sessions. Men’s 7s, 15s and Under 19 15s; Women’s 7s, 10s/15s and Under 18 7s are established, and a seventh Team, Men’s Under 18 7s, is materialising with additional Coaches and Managers proposed.
The Executive Committee continues to liaise with The Sport Company of Trinidad & Tobago (SporTT) to align the safe return to play for rugby within the requirements of the Government of Trinidad & Tobago and World Rugby. World Rugby Player Welfare Educator and member of Rugby Americas North (RAN) COVID-19 Working Group, Dr. Dalia Jordan-Brown, has prepared Safe Return to Play protocols specific to Trinidad and Tobago that adheres to both National Regulations and International Guidelines. We look forward to implementing the training plan for the National Teams ahead of proposed RAN Tournament fixtures in the fourth quarter of 2021.
In addition to establishing the infrastructure for our National Programmes, significant strides have been made in Union Governance with the (re)establishment of the Disciplinary, Selection, Fixtures & Facilities, and Player Welfare, Safeguarding & Anti-Doping Committees. We thank the individuals who are contributing their expertise to improving the function of the TTRFU in these areas and the de facto National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO), the Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), for their guidance. We continue to focus on developing further committees with a focus on professional development and collaborative networking for mutually beneficial growth.
The Rugby Hub, a virtual platform for meetings, training, and opportunity sharing has been successfully launched. Through this platform we have seen an increase in membership participation, as well as public reach through targeted webinars. Our social media platforms and website are being used to increase visibility and engagement throughout Trinidad and Tobago. We invite the public to follow the TTRFU on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ttrfu_868) & Instagram (www.instagram.com/ttrfu_868).
