SVG Rugby Union apologises after missing qualifying tournament because of flight delays

The Executive of the SVG Rugby Union has aplogised to the organisers of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Olympic qualifiers tournament hosted in Vancouver Island, Langford, Canada, last weekend, August 19 and 20.

A Vincentian contingent of 28, inclusive of 24 players and four officials was set to leave St Vincent and the Grenadines on August 16 for the tournament.

However, flight delays, then cancellation, prevented the Vincentians from leaving for their first journey to Barbados, en route to Canada.

In an email to Niall Brooks of RAN and Canada Rugby, dated August 17, 2023, General Secretary of the SVG Rugby Union – Nyoka Harry explained the reasons for the Vincentians’ non- travel.

Harry thus cited “circumstances beyond our control”, for the senior male and female teams from attending the tournament.

According to Harry, “Our flight from Saint Vincent was delayed due to severe weather conditions, which caused both teams to miss their connecting flight in Barbados… Despite our best efforts, we were unable to secure a later flight in time to reach the tournament”.

Continuing to expound on the union’s mishap, Harry pleaded, “We understand the inconvenience and disappointment this may have caused, not only to you but also to the entire team and organization…We assure you that it was never our intention to miss such an important event…Missing out on this chance is incredibly regrettable, and we really wish we could have been there to contribute to the team’s success.

Meanwhile, President of the SVGRU- Dellon Durrant told SEARCHLIGHT that efforts are being made to have both national senior teams travel to Barbados to engage in friendly internationals, namely among Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and Barbados.

This he said can be as soon as late September.