In its 7th year, the much-anticipated Bermuda International 7s Tournament is set to electrify the National Sports Centre in Bermuda on March 15th & 16th, showcasing an impressive roster of rugby talent from both college and high school teams across the US, along with a special exhibition from Bermuda's very own rising stars.
The annual tournament, returning this weekend, invites rugby enthusiasts to witness the high-octane action over two exhilarating days. The event will feature a College Division, including teams such as the Bermuda Rugby All Stars, Dartmouth I, Dartmouth II, Iona University, Iowa State I, Iowa State II, Norwich University, Rowan University, Saratoga U23, and UHSP. The High School Division will spotlight the Bermuda All Stars, Beyond Rugby, and Bondurant Blue Plague (HSB), promising a display of budding talent and future rugby stars.
Bermuda’s collegiate team will be led by player-coach Hadleigh Tucker, supported by BRFU Director of 7s Jonathan Cassidy, whilst U23s Coach Christopher Naylor will head up Bermuda’s high school teams. An added highlight of this year's tournament will be an exhibition game featuring Bermuda's promising U12 and U14 talent, headed up by coaches Rob Steinhoff and Conor McGlynn, as they prepare for their upcoming international tour, offering a glimpse into the future of Bermuda rugby.
Stephen Siano, President of Seven Sports & URugby, expressed his excitement about the tournament, stating, "The Bermuda International 7s has always been a showcase of exceptional rugby talent, and this year is no exception. We are thrilled to welcome back teams and spectators to what promises to be a spectacular display of skill, sportsmanship, and competition."
This year, once again, American collegiate coaches are not only closely monitoring their own squads in the competition but are also casting their gaze toward the talented young athletes from the Beyond Rugby programme who aspire to play at the college level. These coaches recognize the potential for discovering emerging talent that could benefit their teams, leading to the prospect of offering scholarship opportunities to standout players.
This heightened interest underscores the importance of the tournament as a platform for Bermudian athletes to showcase their skills and possibly secure educational and athletic advancements in the United States. Previous scholarship recipients include Nathaniel Morgan, Keonte White and Alex Doyling.
Gemma Godfrey, President of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union, shared her enthusiasm, saying, "Hosting this annual competition is a great honor. The Bermuda International 7s is not just a tournament; it's a celebration of rugby's spirit and the close-knit community it fosters. We can't wait to show our guests the warm hospitality Bermuda is known for and watch our young talent shine on the international stage."
The event is proudly partnered with the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Goslings, Southampton Rangers, and URugby. These partnerships underscore the community's support for the event and its contribution to promoting rugby in Bermuda.
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