Barbados men’s rugby sevens head coach Joe Whipple says the team is targeting nothing less than a medal at next year’s Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC), which will be held in the Dominican Republic.
Speaking yesterday in a press conference at the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) headquarters in Wildey, Whipple insisted that his side will be fit and prepared to deliver more silverware.
“Our goal now is to deliver a medal for Barbados in the Central American Games, which is very achievable,” he said. “We’re looking forward to that.”
Whipple stressed that the programme is committed to continual improvement. “We want to be at another level than we are right now. You don’t stay the same. You get worse, or you get better, so our goal is just to get better.”
Competing in the Rugby Americas North Sevens competition in Arima, Trinidad & Tobago, last month, Barbados secured a silver medal after they lost the final 35-0 to Canada.
He also highlighted the growing opportunities for Barbadian players abroad, noting the success of several athletes who have secured scholarships and international placements. “It’s not been reported very much over the past, the success of some of our players that have gone overseas now. There are tremendous opportunities for young people. Barbados is a small place, but we’ve got great athletic talent, and we can make the next step.”
Among them is Simroy John, who attends Shawnigan Lake School, a Barbadian who currently represents Canada’s Under 20 Rugby team and was part of their 32-member squad at the Oceania Rugby U-20s Challenge competition in April.
Whipple added that three players at his club in Victoria have also made significant strides, while others have earned scholarships to Queen’s College (Charlotte) and St. Thomas University. On the women’s side, two Barbadians are currently on scholarship at Harvard and St. Mary’s.
As for the regional campaign ahead, Whipple expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation. “We will be prepared. There’s no question about that. We will be fit. We will be strong,” he said. “I think we’ve learned how to play the game to win… I’m pretty comfortable we’re going to put in a big show when we go to the Central American Games.”
Reflecting on the medal, Enrique Oxley, Barbados’ Men’s 7s Captain, said, “I’m just very proud of the boys this year with the performance. Obviously, we’re happy to get second place and be Caribbean champions! A lot of work went into this, not just this year. We had a good training camp in Turks and Caicos, coming into the tournament. But it’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of behind-the-scenes, I would say, for over 10 years to get to this point. And I want to thank the community for the support.”
He added, “This guy (Joe Whipple) probably wouldn’t want to say it, but he stuck around with us even when things were not as good as they are now! But we’re getting the results we wanted, and he has helped develop the team to where we are now. I also thank our executive for a good job in getting us facilities. We have an irrigated pitch with lights, and that’s really impacted our training and allowed the boys to prepare as best as they can for this tournament. We are just looking forward to next year and more opportunities to represent the country and make it big tomorrow again. Well, I’m not sure what to say besides I’m always grateful for being allowed to first represent Barbados yet again.”
After losing 19-7 to Mexico in the second match, Barbados went on a winning run on Day two, starting with a 21-7 win over Bermuda. Later that day, they beat Guyana 36-5, which earned them a semi-final berth and a replay against Bermuda. Barbados secured a similarly convincing 26-7 win to make the final and earn qualification for the next CAC Games. (JC)
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