Saracens Rugby Squad To Visit Bermuda Again
The elite of British and European rugby are once again bound for Bermuda to share their skills with the island’s children and the local community, with their arrival scheduled for June 2, 2014.
A spokesperson said, “Following on from last year’s successful visit, thirty members of the Saracens first team squad will return to Bermuda on June 2 for a week of school visits, coaching workshops, and fund raising activities. The Saracens squad includes a number of the game’s highest profile players, including many internationals from South Africa, England, and Wales.
“Saracens have just finished top of the Aviva Premiership and are in the final of the Heineken Cup – Rugby’s equivalent to Soccer’s Champions League. Simply put, they are one of the best rugby teams in the world.
“The players are planning to visit a number of local schools to provide an introduction to rugby and to speak to Bermuda’s school children about how sport in general instils leadership, team work, courage, sportsmanship and respect.
“The Saracens charity fund raising visit is hoping to surpass the $50,000 raised in 2013 for the Beyond Rugby charity and the Bermuda Rugby Youth Section. Beyond Rugby Bermuda is a partnership between the Family Centre and the BRFU working with “at risk” school children that may otherwise get lost in society. The charity does exactly as it says and goes “beyond rugby” to provide these children with valuable social and life skills and to provide them with options.
“The Charity’s co-founding sponsors, Validus Re and Aspen Re, are firmly behind this latest initiative.”
James Few, CEO of Aspen Re, said, “We are delighted to be part of this exciting project and to continue our on-going support of this excellent local charity”.
Gareth Nokes, the event organiser and chairman of Youth Rugby in Bermuda, added, “Rugby is a game steeped in tradition; its players and supporters enjoy a deep sense of community and involvement. The core values and traditions of the sport develop from the first time a young player shakes hands with their opposite number, leading to a life-long passion for involvement with the game at all levels on and off the field.
“Bringing the Saracens players, many of whom have played at the highest level of the sport for many years, is not only exciting for Bermuda but it is hoped the workshops and seminars will inspire our youth to embrace the core values rugby offers.
“We must thank the generosity of the local and international businesses who have once again committed funding to make this such a successful event for Bermuda – without their generosity, this initiative would not be possible.”
Patrick Calow, the BRFU Youth Development officer and coordinator of the Beyond Rugby program said, “We are absolutely thrilled by the prospect of having Saracens participate in the Beyond Rugby program. Bermuda’s ability to attract a team of the calibre of Saracens will be of huge motivation to the kids in our program and those in schools who maybe experiencing rugby for the first time.”
“Following last year’s comfortable victory, the opposition has been strengthened significantly in 2014. Saracens face a firm test against a “Bermuda Barbarians” team lead by former England Captain Nick Easter and including international superstars such as Mark Cueto, Olly Barkley, and Tom Waldrom.”
CEO of Saracens, Edward Griffiths, said, “Saracens are a club focused on core values of discipline, honesty, work ethic, and humility. Being part of this initiative, and all that it stands for, is very much aligned with Saracens and we are excited to be part of it.
“Last year our squad received such a warm welcome to the beautiful island of Bermuda, it did not take long to make the decision to return in 2014. We are delighted to be back in Bermuda and we are looking forward to catching up with some old friends and making new ones.
“Working alongside the local schools and communities, we are hoping that we can inspire a new generation of future rugby stars. Who knows, maybe one day, we’ll have a Bermudian in the Saracens squad.”
“Throughout the week-long visit in June, along with the school workshops, a coaching seminar and their involvement with the beyond rugby program itself, the squad will also participate in a series of fundraising events.
“The organizers have arranged a charity golf event to be held at Tuckers Point Golf Club on Thursday, June 5, where each team will be joined by a member of the Saracens squad in a fivesomes competition. Furthermore, there are plans to hold a touch rugby tournament on Wednesday 4 June, 2014 similarly aimed at raising funds for the Beyond Rugby charity program and the BRFU Youth section.
“The playing squad will be accompanied by five of the Saracens coaching squad. These coaches have agreed to hold a seminar aimed at all sports coaches across the island, regardless of the sport, which will be used to explore areas such as improving team and athletic performance and instilling pride in sport.
Mr. Nokes said, “We are hopeful Bermuda will get fully behind this exciting community initiative. These coaches are some of the best in the world and this is an excellent opportunity for Bermuda to learn from their experiences and tap into some of their considerable knowledge.”
“The seminar is free to attend and will be held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess from 5.00pm to 7.00pm on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.
“The visit of Saracens will culminate in a match versus the Bermuda Barbarians on June 7, 2014. The match, to be held inside the National Sports Stadium and will kickoff at 7.00pm, after which the Kennel Boys will keep the crowd entertained until midnight. Entrance is $20 on the door.
“There will be a fully licensed bar and a kids’ area. Doors open at 2.00pm with the Bermuda National Team playing Cayman in a Caribbean Championship Qualifier which kicks off at 4.00pm.
“For further information, please visit the Facebook page or, if your company is interested in being part of this initiative, please contact Gareth Nokes at SaracensinBDA@yahoo.com or visit the website.
“To find out more about the Beyond Rugby program and how you or your child can get involved, please email Patrick Calow in the BRFU’s Youth Development Office at pcalow@brfu.bm, or visit their website.”
