Murray Roulston, the technical advisor brought in from New Zealand by the Ministry of Sport to audit and evaluate Trinidad and Tobago rugby, has done a fantastic job, said T&T Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) president Leslie Figaro.
According to Figaro, Roulston has provided a road map and much needed clarity on the way forward for T&T rugby.
’It was a forward-thinking move by the Minister and  Ministry. What is encouraging is that Roulston has identified local coaches that have the potential to be developed into elite level coaches,’ said Figaro.
’His analysis was in-depth, honest and insightful. He identified problems and symptoms that must be solved if T&T rugby is to challenge for a 2016 and 2020 Olympic qualifying spot, and advance further than we have to date in the Rugby World Cup.
’I for one am very happy with the way things have gone. His action plan points the way forward,’ said Figaro.
The national rugby chief said the next hurdle is sourcing the funding and convincing the New Zealander to return for a two to three-year stint beginning in February next year.
’There is a lot of work to be done. In addition, we have the CAC Games next year and Pan Am qualifiers. Our Under-19s and women have tournaments. We have a High Performance programme to start and the revamping of our development infrastructure. On the administrative end, we have capacity building to do. But I am very excited about the future for rugby in T&T. We must embrace the challenges.’
Figaro was scheduled to leave yesterday (FRIDAY) for Dublin, Ireland, where he will attend the International Rugby Board (IRB) General Assembly.
And Roulston will coach the T&T Under-21 rugby team that will clash with a TTRFU President’s 15 on Saturday December 12 at St Mary’s College ground.
TTRFU selection committee chairman Curtis Nero confirmed that the match will be used to identify players for a training squad that will be named to prepare for the CAC Games and other national team engagements next year.
’The match is one I caution every player invited to take seriously if they harbour ambitions of wearing, or continuing to wear national colours. There will be some fundamental changes, in particular, in regard to the ethos of the Trinidad and Tobago national teams.
’While we have some legitimate issues and challenges to address, the bottom line will be only players who are prepared to work within the challenges will be retained. We will do our best to provide players with what is needed. But the TTRFU will not be held to ransom.
’Representing your country with pride, passion and mental toughness will be the starting point. With regard to the CAC Games, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) has a fitness criteria. Therefore, only players meeting that criteria will be considered for CAC selection,’ said Nero.
