Bermuda Rugby Team Traveling To Mexico City
The Bermuda National Rugby Team, ranked number 52 in the world, is getting set to travel to Mexico City on Thursday, April 24 in order to play in an internationally sanctioned match against growing regional rugby power Mexico.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Rugby Union is building towards the northern Caribbean Championship games against USA South on May 10 in Atlanta and arch-rivals Caymans on June 7 at National Sports Stadium as a curtain raiser to “The Big Game” hosted by visiting Premiership side Saracens.
“The match against Mexico on Saturday, April 26 will feature several new players on the squad and provides National team Coach Roedolf van der Westhuizen an opportunity to experiment with different line ups.
Coach Van der Westhuizen said, “We are keen to develop the squad and build momentum up to our two crucial Caribbean Championship games. Mexico will be a difficult test, but our team will be up for it”.
Team manager Mike Williams pointed out the extra challenges of playing at altitude, high humidity, and temperature, saying, “Mexico City is over 2,200 meters above sea level; the high altitude will sorely test our national team players’ fitness. Mexico has world ranking ambitions and have made it clear they want our scalp.”
BRFU President Sean Field-Lament enthused about the honour of playing for Bermuda in a recognized international match, saying, “The players are indeed fortunate to have this opportunity. Mexico is a growing regional rugby power and it is a rare privilege to play for your country.”
“Although currently ranked 74 in the world, Mexico boasts a player base of over 2,500 with 21 full-time clubs. The game’s popularity is growing exponentially in the country where 25 of the 26 states are administrating vibrant youth programs. With a population of over 120 million, the potential is enormous.
Sean Field-Lament said, “The BRFU is looking to develop our relationship with the Mexican Rugby Federation and, in particular, engage in youth rugby development with them. We will be inviting them to participate in our Mid Atlantic Youth Rugby tournament, which will be an annual event held in June. This friendly international match is the first step in solidifying our relationship.”
“The Bermuda National team squad consists of Paul Dobinson, Mike Williams, Dustin Archibald, Jahan Cedenio, Tashon Desilva, Paul Canfield, Conor McGlynn, Peter Dunkerley, David Porter, Tommy Edwards, Neville Zuill, Phil Hall, Rich Cumbers, Corey Boyce, Dan Cole, Bongani Ndlovu, Edward Barnes, Bennet Gibson,Tom Moroney, Richard Boyd, Patrick Graham, and Guerhardt Lamprecht, with team physio overseen by Shara Crunden.”
