On the day that both the Men’s and Ladies teams departed Bermuda the Bermuda Rugby Football Union (BRFU) announced they are extremely grateful to partners Sol Petroleum, who’s financial support as sponsors of the Men’s National 7s team has provided new playing kit and helped reduce travel and accommodation costs for Bermuda’s representatives at the 2016 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Tournament in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad on November 12 & 13th.
Drawn against tournament favourites Canada and the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda are expected to qualify for the Cup Quarter-Finals for the third time in a row, where they should face either Mexico or Trinidad & Tobago.
Former West Indies player, Tom Healy, who has been Bermuda's Player-Coach for the past four years, will leave the Coaching duties in Trinidad to two-time World Cup Winner, Waisale Serevi.
The squad will be Captained by Tashon De Silva, who led the side at the 2014 CAC Games and 2016 RugbyTown 7s.
Joining the dynamic De Silva in the forwards will be the considerable presence of Aldo Campbell, Patrick Calow, Bertie Horsfield and Somers Brewin.
Fly-half Dan Cole returns for his second regional tournament, after great performances over the past two seasons at the RugbyTown 7s, and the World Rugby Classic with the Lions.
Antonio Perinchief, Corey Boyce, Andre Landy and 12 year veteran Neville Zuill add genuine speed to the squad, which has too often been lacking in previous Bermuda 7s teams.
CedarBridge Academy graduate Mikel Dill made his mark at the 2016 ArielRe 7s, finishing as the tournament's top try scorer including the extra-time winner against Kutztown University in the 3rd/4th play-off game. Dill went on to represent Bermuda's National XV in the 2019 RWC Qualifier against the Bahamas at the end of last season, and will be attending the Stellenbosch Rugby Academy in South Africa next year.
Meanwhile The Bermuda Rugby Football Union (BRFU) have announced the Women's National Rugby Team that will compete in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament in Trinidad on November 12 & 13th.
Bermuda have been drawn in the same pool as Cayman, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos and Olympic Bronze Medallists Canada, and are expected to qualify for the Cup quarter-finals, where victory will see them just one win away from qualifying for the 2017 Hong Kong Sevens.
Half of the twelve person squad will be making their Senior international debuts, while the other six are among Bermuda's most experienced female players.
Mika Tomita continues as the team's Captain for the third time, while Kelli Nusum, Erica McArthur and Amanda Swan also return for their third regional championship.
Nusum is a powerful forward, who's hard charging runs have set the foundation for much of the side's success in recent years. Her all-round skill and experience gained from playing for Newcastle University in the UK, has helped her performances on and off the field; establishing Bermuda's first under-age Girls Rugby Program and as a Coach of the award-winning Beyond Rugby initiative in partnership with the Family Centre.
McArthur, a native of Ontario, represented London Welsh RFC before moving to Bermuda to teach at Saltus Grammar School. A versatile player, equally at home in the pack or at half-back, McArthur is the team's designated kicker, and one of the best playmakers in the region.
Gillian Cross adds significant speed to the squad, and could make history in Trinidad alongside her daughter Corrie, as it is believed that they will become the first ever Mother and Daughter to play international rugby together.
Corrie will be joined by fellow High School students Haley Place, Lysmeiri Herrera and Cerise Woodley who will all receive their first international caps when they take the field in Trinidad.
The team will be under the expert guidance of former England international and World Player of the Year, Michaela Staniford.
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