The Trinidad & Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) in collaboration with Rugby Americas North (RAN) will host a series of World Rugby Training Courses for members of the local rugby fraternity during the period, January 12 to 18, 2020. These courses will greatly assist in the Union’s effort to continue educating its human resources, which will ensure that they are well prepared and knowledgeable to provide a proper product for the rugby fraternity.
Mr. Scott Harland, RAN’s Regional Training Manager, met with the TTRFU’s Executive Committee on Thursday, January 9, 2020, to discuss these training courses and the Union’s 2020 plans. On January 10 & 11, 2020, Mr. Harland will begin working with Mr. Anthony Pontiflette, President of the Trinidad & Tobago Rugby Referees Society (TTRRS), to certify him as a World Rugby Referee Educator for Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean.
The series of training courses is scheduled to begin with the World Rugby’s Officiating, Level 1 programme on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the Nelson Mandela Park, Port-of-Spain, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On Monday, January 13, 2020, Mr. Harland along with Members of the TTRFU’s Executive Committee, will conduct a site visit of the Ato Boldon Stadium to look at the area which the Rugby 7s Competition of the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games is expected to be hosted.
Training will recommence with World Rugby’s Strength & Conditioning course scheduled for January 14 & 15, 2020 and an Activate course on January 16, 2020. These programmes will also take place at the Nelson Mandela Park from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on all three days.
The series will come to an end with World Rugby’s Coaching, Level 1 course which is expected to take place on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at the Marabella Recreation Ground, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This training course will hosted by Rainbow Sports & Cultural Club, led by President, Mr. Rudolph Jack.
The Strength & Conditioning, Activate and Coaching courses will all be administered by Ms. Erin Kennedy, RAN’s Regional Development Manager. Ms. Kennedy will also provide support for the Union’s Youth Development and Get Into Rugby (GIR) programmes.
TTRFU’s President, Mr. Colin Peters, stated that over approximately 100 persons are expected to be trained over the next week, which is in keeping with the Union’s goal of improving the quality of our referees, coaches and players.
Mr. Peters would like to express his appreciation to the RAN Executive Committee for sending their top officials to assist in further developing the sport of rugby in Trinidad & Tobago. He would also like to thank the Clubs, Affiliate Bodies and members of the rugby fraternity for the overwhelming response this programme has received and wish all participants a very successful week.
