Women’s Rugby Team Welcomes NYC Club

While still in its early days, the Bermuda Women’s Contact Rugby program is making great strides in both size and level of competitiveness, leading to a successful campaign in their first tournament and culminating in a visit from the New York Rugby Football Club [NYRFC].

A spokesperson said, “Whilst the current Bermuda Women’s Contact Rugby program is still in its infancy, we have made dramatic improvements over the last twelve months. The National squad performed above expectations in their first tournament at the NACRA 7s held in Cayman last November.

“Notable wins included a 12-0 shutout of Jamaica in the pool stages and a thrilling comeback against Turks and Caicos in the Plate Semifinal. We were only able to field a ten player squad which included three contact rookies, so our performance was even more remarkable.

“Next time out, the ‘Dark and Stormy’ development squad played in the Las Vegas Invitational 7s. This time our 12 player squad included two more contact rookies and the squad used the experience to set a specific set of objectives, culminating in the natural high of NACRA 7s in Mexico City.

“As the squad continues to grow in number, it is important that the players set the highest standards for the next generation of Bermuda women rugby players. A number of the most promising female players now train regularly with the National Team and their skill, commitment, and enthusiasm bodes well for the future of the women’s game in Bermuda.”

“Even with a growing squad, actual match practice between tournaments is limited, so we are delighted to welcome back our guests from the New York Rugby Club [NYRC] who provide our opposition today [May 15]. Similarly, we would like to thank the Bermuda Rugby Football Union and the organisers of the Big Game for affording us the opportunity to play during this great day of rugby. Thanks also to our kit sponsors Gosling’s.

“NYRC were here last in 2008. We hope this can become a regular fixture for our club. The New York Rugby Club traditions are rooted in a group of players who met in New York City in 1929 to form the New York Nomads. The Nomads subsequently began competing as the New York Rugby Football Club.

“In 1997, NYRFC voted to field a women’s team and offered playing membership to players of the Gotham Women’s Rugby Club. The women’s team has gone from strength to strength and has supplied numerous players to representative sides such as the NRU XVs and 7s teams as well as the USA Eagles.

“Enjoy your time in beautiful Bermuda and the hospitality of the Dark and Stormies.”

“The Bermuda Dark and Stormies Squad includes Mika Tomita, Karly Allelne, Deneka Borden, Gillian Cross, Jo Godfrey, Gemma Godfrey, Aleisha James, Erica McArthur, Kelli Nusum, Jillian Smith, Amanda Swan, Anthi Xipolia, Andy Critchton [coach], Kerry Heigham [manager], and Amanda Swan.”

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