U13-U14 Canadian Invitational Side Touring Visit

March 13, 2013

A U13-U14 Canadian invitational touring side, led by team manager Rick Bourne is arriving for their first ever trip to Bermuda for a youth tournament on Friday [Mar 15].

A spokesperson said, “The experience is geared towards youngsters enjoying the game and exposing them to their first international tour. The side is made up largely of Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Toronto based players.

“In an effort to grow the game at the junior level in the North American Caribbean Rugby Association [NACRA] region, the roster will be divided into two seven-a-side teams and will play against high school and club sides in Bermuda.

“Canada’s NACRA rep and former Rugby Canada Chairman Rick Bourne pursued the initiative as a way to introduce some of the country’s future rugby stars to the opportunities that await them over the next few years. Bourne has worked extensively with this age group and is currently a mini rugby coach with Vancouver’s UBCOB Ravens.”

“We recently had some meetings with NACRA officials in both Florida and Cuba and were discussing ways to further develop the game in our region,” said Mr Bourne.

“With an event like this for younger players I thought it would be great way to not only help develop junior rugby in Canada but it also provides another opportunity for growth in Bermuda,” Bourne said. “Hopefully we can see this continue to develop and in the future have teams like USA, Mexico and representatives from the Caribbean take part.”

Keith Hodgkins, Bermuda Rugby Football Union noted “it’s a great opportunity to develop our existing strong links with Canadian rugby and our boys and girls are really looking forward to the weekend playing some great rugby, having fun, making new friends and memories of a lifetime.”

The Canadian team will leave March 13th and their packed agenda includes the two-day tournament, beach rugby events and family-oriented activities. The tour will return home to Canada on March 19th.

The final schedule for the Rugby Canada U13/U14 tour is set out below:

Friday 15th:

  • Group Practice at 4:00pm, coached by Patrick Calow and Rugby Canada coaches
  • Food and Social from 5:30 to 7:30pm in Warwick Academy Gymnasium

Saturday 16th:

  • 10:00am to 12:00pm – Sevens tournament
  • U14 age groups – Rugby Canada has one 7′s team in this age group.
  • U13 Age Group – Rugby Canada has two 7′s teams in this age group.
  • 2:15pm to 2:45pm – U14/U12 Bermuda vs Canada 12 a side match.

Sunday 17th:

  • 2:30pm onwards – Beach rugby at Horseshoe bay
  • We are inviting the Bermuda mini rugby girls and any of the age groups.
  • Beach rugby tournament, volley ball, beach tennis
  • Barbecue in the early evening – Hamburgers and Hotdogs.

Monday 18th:

  • 4:30pm – U13/U14 Canada vs. Dellwood

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Comments (1)

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  1. Proud mama says:

    My son is excited to be involved. The exposure is stretching his Rugby skills.
    Thank you