CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2015

The Championship Division is the elite level of test rugby in the Caribbean. The division is divided between north and south zones. Top placed team in North will play top team in South in the final. Promotion-relegations occurs between bottom Championship team and top Cup team in each zone.

21.03.2015

North
Cayman Islands v USA South in Atlanta

Result so far
07.03: Mexico 50, USA South 25 in Mexico City

GWC Rugby Rankings
NACRA Table: Does not apply

World Rugby Ranking Points
Does not apply

Prediction: USA South by 6 points. Score 20-14

South
Trinidad Tobago v Barbados in St Michael

TEAMS

Barbados Squad

Nico Jason Alexander Blunt 10/07/1992 (Scorpions RFC)
Jermaine Jamal Bynoe 02/06/1987 (Tridents RFC)
Kevin Jamal Carter 21/09/1989 (Renegades RFC)
Jerrin Akeen Clarke 11/10/1993 (Emperors RFC)
Kevin D.A.Cobham 24/01/1992 (Scorpions RFC
Bryan M.A. Cummings 04/02/1992 (Scorpions RFC)
Corey Elcock
Anthony R.H. Faggiani 07/07/1986 (?)
Neil Grantley Forde 04/03/1987 (Scorpions RFC)
Jamal Omar Gonsalves 10/26/1988 (Renegades RFC)
Kemar Holder-Edghill
Caston Henderson Howard 09/21/1986 (?)
Le-andro Leo Jordan 09/02/1987 (Tridents RFC)
Romeo James L Mayers 18/01/1980 (Tridents RFC)
Stephen H.E Millar 12/01/1981 (Scorpions RFC)
Greg Andre Moseley-Clarke 22/10/1978 (Renegades RFC)
Kevin Cedric A Murrell 22/12/1989 (Scorpions RFC)
Tahaire Shabazz Niels 09/03/1989 (Renegades RFC)
Kenneth A Payne 01/04/1970 (Renegades RFC) Age 44
Daniel Patrick A Ramsey 14/07/1994 (Emperors RFC)
Marlo Sandiford
Dario Ricardo Stout 14/09/1992 (?)
Shane Kevin B Taylor 17/06/1995 (Scorpions RFC)
Mikyle Forde Walcott 02/06/1996 (Emperors RFC) Age 18

Thanks to Kenneth Payne, Barbados RFU

Result so far
07.03: Guyana 48, Barbados 22 in Georgetown

GWC Rugby Rankings
NACRA Table: Trinidad Tobago 7th, Barbados 8th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Trinidad Tobago 41.59, Barbados 38.26

Prediction: Trinidad Tobago by 21 points: Score: 23-12

TEST RUGBY THIS SATURDAY

24.05.2014
Korea v Philippines in Makati (Asia Five Nations)
Chile v Argentina in Santiago (CONSUR Cup)
Germany v Russia in Hamburg (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff)
Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados in Port of Spain (Caribb. Champ., South League)
Swaziland v Lesotho in Maruso (Friendly)

Briefly
There will be an interesting battle between Korea and Philippines. Whilst the Philippines defeated Sri Lanka away by one point last weekend, and as a result they would have grounds for some optimism, it would be a brave soul to not predict a Korean win.

At steak is a place in the 2015 Asian Elite rugby competition which will feature and home-away series involving Asia three top teams. At the moment Japan is No.1 followed by Hong Kong. Korea is favoured to be the third nation. The game be a close encounter in stages but I just can’t see the Philippines overpowering the Koreans.

Prediction: Korea by 20 points.

Argentina should not experiences any scary moments in their game against Chile. The Chileans have not performed well in 2014 and although playing away from home the Jaguars (well in effect Argentina ‘A’) should have no problems.

Prediction: Argentina by 35 points

The Germany-Russia clash is covered elsewhere on this blog.

Barbados lost 19-48 to Guyana at home last weekend and now have to travel to Trindad for a showdown with the local side. Last year they lost this game at home 6-19 so it will be an uphill struggle for the Barbadians.

Prediction: Trinidad and Tobago by 26 points.

Will it be played? After a number of postponnements, the match awaited Lesotho-Swaziland return game should be played today in Maruso. I’d expect the home side to win a good struggle.

Prediction: Swaziland by 10 points.

2008 A Year of Rugby Part 4

North America

The main features about international rugby in North America was the NAWIRA (North American and West Indies Rugby Association) World Cup qulaifying matches and the USA v Canada Churchill Cup clash.

12th Costa Rica
Costa Rica participated in the CONSUR B (South American Zone) competition in 2006, held in Caracus. They were outclassed in all their games and stayed away from international competition to rebuild. In 2008 they hosted the Cayman Islands losing 17-20 in San Juan on 17 May. This was a very good effort considering the Caymans had particpated in the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying matches in April. Coast Rica may well look to NAWIRA for future competition.

11th Saint Vincent and Grenadines
This country, like Costa Rica, re entered the international scene after a year's absence. They played Mexico at home in late March to decide the final place in the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament on Grand Cayman. The Mexicans, also playing for the first time since 2006, won easily 47-7.


10th Jamaica
Jamaica was one of a number of Caribbean nations to reappear on the international scene after a few years absence. Jamaica lost all their games but they were all close encounters, including a 3-10 loss to Guyana, one of the tournament finalists, in the first World Cup knockout match.


9th Cayman Islands
The hosts of the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament could well be disappointed with their 7th placing. They were outplayed by eventual tournament winner Trinidad and Tobago in the first match, a World Cup knockout match, then lost to newcomers Mexico in the second and then defeated Jamaica in the Shield final. Caymans then travelled to Costa Rica in May to narrowly defeat their hosts 20-17.


8th Mexico
Mexico qualified for the NAWIRA Tournament after a 47-7 win against St Vincent and Grenadines away. At the tournament they nearly caused a major upset in their first game, just losing 20-21 to Barbados in the World Cup knockout round. They then suprised the hosts Cayman Islands to win 13-7 but lost their last game to Bahamas.


7th Bahamas
The Bahamas lost their first game of the NAWIRA Tournament 13-29 to Bermuda in the World Cup qualifying knockout round. They went on to win the other two matches against Jamaica and Mexico to take the tournament's bowl prize.


6th Barbados
Barbados was the team that won the 2005 NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament, which included a 25-17 win over Trinidad and Tobago. The Barbadians went on to play the USA and Canada for a place in the World Cup Final. They lost heavily to the two North American giants but were expected to fare well again at this tournament. They started with a very shakey 21-20 win over Mexico and were humbled 0-56 against Trinidad and Tobago in the next match. A dispirited team then lost the plate final to Bermuda 6-17 to end a disappointing tournament.


5th Bermuda
Bermuda has been around the Caribbean Championship scene for over thirty years. Their most recent matches were losses to Cayman Islands and Canada Under 21 in a tournament in the Caymans in 2006. At the 2008 NAWIRA tournament they started in style defeating the Bahamas 29-13 but then lost 13-25 to eventual finalist Guyana 13-25. In their last match they defeated Barbados 17-6 to take the Plate final.


4th Guyana
Guyana had defeated Trinidad and Tobago 29-21 back in the NAWIRA Tournament in 2005. After winning their first two games at the 2008 NAWIRA tournament, the Guyanese were pitted against the Trindadians in the final. They showed great spirit in the final only to lose to the better side 24-40.


3rd Trinidad and Tobago
The Trinidadians defeated Guyana 40-24 in the final and won the right to play the CONSUR B finalist Brazil to move to the next World Cup qualifying stage. Althought they lost both legs of the games against Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago can be proud to be the champion team of the Caribbean until the next NAWIRA competition.


2nd United States
For the third year running the USA had to play second fiddle to their northern neighbours Canada. The USA lost 10-26 to Canada in Chicago in the Churchill Cup 5th/6th (Bowl) playoff.

1st Canada

Part 5 will look at Africa (CAR-Confederation Africa Rugby) placings 20th to 29th

Rugby Photos: Brazil v Trinidad and Tobago

Brazil defeated Trinidad and Tobago 24-12 in Sao Paulo to clinch a spot in the World Cup 2011 Americas Qualification Round 3. Brazil won the first leg in Port of Spain 31-8, thus gaining a 55-20 aggregate.

Pics thanks to Rouget Maia http://blogs.espn.com.br/rougetmaia

International Rugby Results 18 October

18.10.2008
Czech Republic 47, Croatia 0 in Prague (Friendly)
Armenia 35, Switzerland 15 in Abovian (WCQ Europe, ENC 3A)
Hungary 39, Denmark 12 in Kecskemet (WCQ Europe, ENC 3B)
Brazil 24, Trinidad and Tobago 12 in Sao Paulo (WCQ America 2, Playoff 2nd Leg)

A big win for the Czech Republic exposing the different standard in play between divisions in Europe. Easy wins for Armenia and Hungary, both on home soil and Trinidad and Tobago put up a good fight in Brazil. Brazil, however, goes into the next WCQ Americas round involving Chile and Uruguay.

Test Rugby: Trinidad and Tobago v Brazil

18.11.2008
Trinidad and Tobago v Brazil in Sao Paulo (WCQ America R2, Playoff 2nd Leg)

Preview
The Calypso Warriors, the name given to the rugby team from Trinidad and Tobago have a huge task ahead of them in Brazil on Saturday. Defeated 31-8 by the Brazilians in the first leg in Port of Spain last Saturday, the Trinidadians have to win by more than 23 points to progress to the next stage. A number of factors are against this happening.

Firstly, winning away in Brazil was always going to be the more difficult leg for the Caribbean team. Secondly, their flight to Brazil was disjointed, with half the team flying direct to Brazil, the other having to fly via Caracus in Venezuela arriving a day later. Passport problems were said to be the cause. Thirdly, the nature and size of Brazil's win will be a major psychological hurdle for the men from Trinidad to overcome.

On the bright side is the return to the Caribean side of 38 year old veteran flyhalf Brendan O'Farrell.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Brazil 29th, Trinidad and Tobago 30th.
Both these teams qualify for the World Table as they are in different zones in the rugby world. Brazil is affiliated to CONSUR whilst the Caribbean side is with NAWIRA.

Prediction: Rugby is a funny game at any level and upsets can always occur. It is difficult not to see an easy Brazilian win. Brazil by 40 points.

Teams

Trinidad and Tobago Squad
Kirl Aanensen (Trinidad Northern RFC) Aged 27
Greame Atkins (Caribs RFC) 26
Nigel Arismandez (Worthing RUFC, England) 34
Peter Bacchus (Caribs RFC) 31
Andre Cabrero (Caribs RFC) 24
Jason Clark (Caribs RFC) 23
Kelson Figaro (Royalians RFC) 23
Adam Fredericks, Capt. (Trinidad Northern RFC) 29
Felician Guerra (Royalians RFC)
Wayne Kelly (Havard RFC) 26
Miguel Lara (Caribs RFC) ?
Damian Martinez (Blaydon RUFC, England) 30
Jonathan O'Connor (Caribs RFC) 30
Brendan O'Farrell (Caribs RFC) 38
Kirk Quashie (Caribs RFC) 24
Kurt Quashie (Caribs RFC) 24
Samuel Roberts (Caribs RFC) 23
Don Rojas (Caribs RFC) ?
Selwyn St. Bernard (Blaydon RUFC, England) 31
Kidane Silverthorn (Rainbow Sports Club) 24
Dexter Snaggs (Trinidad Northern RFC) 29
James Walklin (Trinidad Northern RFC) 31
Head Coach: Rhett Chee Ping

Ages as per Brazilian blog http://blogs.espn.com.br/rougetmaia/
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?
f=2&t=2870&start=15
http://www.ttrfu.com/mrDetails.aspx?id=753

Brazil
15 Erick Montfrinatti (São José RC) *
14 Rafael Dawailibi (São José RC)
13 Giuliano Passini (Rio Branco RC)
12 Joao Luis Da Ros (Desterro RC)
11 Daniel Gregg (Niterói RFC)
10 Lucas Duque (São José RC)
9 Matheus Duque (São José RC)
8 Jean-Marc Volland (?)*
7 Diego Lopez (Pasteur Athlétic Club)
6 João Orioli jnr (Pasteur Athlétic Club)
5 Antonio Gorios (?)*
4 Reges Comoretto (Desterro RC)
3 Ramiro Mina, Capt. (Bandeirantes RC)
2 Daniel Danielewicz (Desterro RC)
1 Christiano da Costa (São José RC)
Replacements (Bench to be named)
Ian Korolkovas (Bandeirantes RC)*
Andre Fujita (?)*
Alexandre Spano (São José RC)
Henrique Dantas (São José RC)*
Leonardo Frota (Curitiba RC)*
Rafael Strenger (Bandeirantes RC)
Julian Menutti (Bandeirantes RC)
Fernando Martins (São José RC)
Head Coach: Pierre Paparemborde
* Did not travel to Trinidad and Tobago
Adapted from list on http://blogs.espn.com.br/rougetmaia/

For a complete list of all Trinidad and Tobago and Brazil's international results go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

International Rugby: This weekend 18 Oct.

The world of international rugby confines itself to Europe and America this weekend.
18.10.2008
Czech Republic v Croatia in Prague (Friendly)
Armenia v Switzerland in Abovian (WCQ Europe, ENC 3A)
Hungary v Denmark in Kecskemet (WCQ Europe, ENC 3B)
Trinidad and Tobago v Brazil in Sao Paulo (WCQ America, Playoff 2nd Leg)

International Rugby Results

11.10.2008
Norway 11, Austria 3 in Oslo (WCQ Europe, ENC 3B)
Greece 12, Finland 10 in Helsinki (WCQ Europe, ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina 52, Monaco 5 in Menton (ENC 3D)
Brazil 31, Trinidad and Tobago 8 in Port of Spain (WCQ Americas, Playoff 1st Leg)

Rugby Fixture: Brazil v Trinidad and Tobago

11.10.2008
Preview
There is a lot hinging on the first leg of this America World Cup Qualifier. Trinidad and Tobago won the NAWIRA B tournament held in Cayman Islands in April, whilst Brazil defeated Paraguay in Asuncion to take the CONSUR B tournament. They clash to decide who will join Chile and Uruguay in the second round of America qualification test matches. Both countries went through a very similiar qualifying process in 2001-02 with Brazil just edging out the West Indians.

Previous Encounters
26.01.2002 Brazil 9-0 in Florianopolis (WCQ America R2, 2nd Leg)
22.12.2001 Brazil 11-10 in Port of Spain (WCQ America R2, 1st Leg)
11.11.1996 Trinidad and Tobago 41-0 in Port of Spain (WCQ America Rd A)

Prediction: Brazil by 7 points.

Teams

Brazil Squad
Jean-Marc Bolonha (São José RC)
Erick Cogliandro (São José RC)
Reges Comoreto (Desterro RC)
Christiano da Costa (São José RC)
João da Ros (Desterro RC)
Daniel Danielewicz (Desterro RC)
Rafael Dawailibi (São José RC)
Lucas Duque (São José RC)
Matheus Duque (São José RC)
Moisés Duque (São José RC)
Antônio Filho (Rio Branco RC)
Daniel Gregg (Niterói RFC)
Diego Lopes (Pasteur Athlétic Club)
Fernando Martins (São José RC)
Julian Menutti (Bandeirantes RC)
Ramiro Mina (Bandeirantes RC)
João Orioli Jnr (Pasteur Athlétic Club)
Giuliano Passini (Rio Branco RC)
Henrique Pinto (São José RC)
Fernando Portugal (Bandeirantes RC)
Leonardo Sarro (Curitiba RC)
Alexandre Spani (São José RC)
Rafael Strenger (Bandeirantes RC)
Head Coach: Pierre Paparemborde
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2870

Trinidad and Tobago Squad
Kirk Aanensen (Trinidad Northern RFC) *
Nigel Arismendez (Worthing RUFC, England)
Graeme Atkins (Caribs RFC)
Peter Bacchus (Caribs RFC)*
Abdre Cabrero (Caribs RFC)
Jason Clark (Caribs RFC)*
Andrew Crooks (Trinidad Northern RFC)
Felican Guerra (Royalians RFC) *
Carlton Felix (Royalians RFC) *
Kelson Figaro (Royalians RFC) *
Adam Fredericks (Capt.) (Trinidad Northern RFC)
Abdeel Giles (Caribs RFC)*
Flemming Glace (Royalians RFC)
Ade Innis-King (Trinidad Northern RFC)
Wayne Kelly (Havard RFC)*
Miguel Lara (Caribs RFC)*
Damian Martinez (Blaydon RUFC, England) *
Christopher Mitchell (Royalians RFC)
Jonathan O’Connor (Caribs RFC)
Kirk Quashie (Caribs RFC)*
Samuel Roberts (Caribs RFC)*
Donald Rojas (Caribs RFC)*
Selwyn St Bernard (Blaydon RUFC, England)
Adam Seedansingh (Trinidad Northern RFC)
Kidane Silverthorn (Rainbow Sports Club)*
Dexter Snaggs (Trinidad Northern RFC) *
James Walkin (Trinidad Northern RFC)
Head Coach: Rhett Chee Ping

*In T&T squad that defeated Guyana back in April.
Long-serving flyhalf Brendon O’Farrell is not in the squad.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_sports?id=161384395
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2870&sid=b736ebef92b769e0ce5bfd99e86a6cb0

Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Team

Below is the rugby squad that will face Brazil on Saturday.

Kirk Aanensen *
Nigel Arismendez (England Club)
Graeme Atkins
Peter Bacchus *
Abdre Cabrero
Jason Clark *
Andrew Crooks
Felican Guerra *
Carlton Felix *
Kelson Figaro *
Abdeel Giles *
Ade Innis-King
Wayne Kelly *
Miguel Lara *
Damian Martinez (England Club) *
Jonathan O’Connor
Kirk Quashie *
Samuel Roberts *
Donald Rojas *
Selwyn St Bernard (England Club)
Adam Seedansingh
Kidane Silverthorn *
Dexter Snaggs *
James Walkin
Head Coach: Rhett Chee Ping

* In T&T squad that defeated Guyana back in April.
Long-serving flyhalf Brendon O’Farrell is not in the squad.

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_sports?id=161384395