Bermuda Rugby U17 Squad Continues Tour
The Bermuda Rugby U17 Tour has continued, with squad members taking part in an all-star game, training, a visit from Premier Michael Dunkley and the Minister for Community, Culture and Sports Patricia Pamplin Gordon, and more.
A spokesperson said, “Many of the squad was involved in the Ariel Re High School league All Star game at the National Sports Centre. Very high skill levels on show with total commitment from both sides – it was an enjoyable game to watch.”
“On Saturday, March 14, the day started early with an 8.15am meeting for a sponsor photograph at the NSC and then off to the Arboretum for a two hour training session primarily focused on the breakdown and rucking drills. This session was led by proud Welshman Gareth Nokes and the squad and coaches got a lot out of the session. This is a skillset we will have to be up to scratch when playing the UK sides.
“After training we had a squad meeting at Docksiders for breakfast and watched the Wales vs. Ireland game from Cardiff. The squad’s loyalties were split evenly and they were all impressed with the immense defensive efforts of the Welsh side.”
“On Sunday, March 15, training at NSC resumed at 11am for a two hour session. It was one of our more productive sessions as the squad is one week away from touring and we had an influx of the Teachers Old Boys to help with a serious scrummaging session and also add a competitive nature to the practice match sessions.
“We very much appreciate Teachers legends Church, Herbie, Billy Mc Niven, Cookie and Nick Ball giving up their time to assist and also Aldo Campbell, Ian Maule and Kevin Mayes putting their bodies on the line throughout the season and being at training week in week out.”
“Premier Michael Dunkley and the Minister for Community, Culture and Sports Patricia Pamplin Gordon came by and visited the Sunday rugby program. They spent time with the various age groups [U6 – U17] with the assistance of BRFU President Sean Field Lament and Darren Wood Community Support with the Family Centre.
“Premier Dunkley and Minister Gordon spoke to the U17 squad providing them perspective on their own sporting experiences and noted they should be proud to represent Bermuda and wished them well on their tour.
“One of the challenges the squad will face will be the different weather conditions and field conditions. As such, the squad will need to play with the long studded boots and we imported boots from the USA which were kindly sponsored by Peter and Angie Bell to get us ready for the challenges ahead – very much appreciated.”
“The squad includes Alex Doyling [Bermuda Institute], Azzi Mayes [Bermuda Institute], Camren Caines [Bermuda Institute], Chinua Smith Cedarbridge Academy, Christian Chin-Gurrget [Bermuda High Schools], Daneko Hayward [Berkeley Institute], Dennis Walker [Home School], Ferdinand Arnold [Warwick], Hussani Samuels [CedarBridge Academy], Jacobe Darrell [Berkeley Institute], Jacque Deverteuil [Warwick Academy], Jahniko Francis [Berkeley Institute], Jonathan Alves [Warwick Academy], Kellin Williams [Home School], Kirk Hyde [Berkeley Institute], Logan Ball [Lakefield Canada], Maurice Jones [Cedarbridge Academy], Mikel Dill [Cedarbridge Academy], Mikai Johnston [Berkeley Institute], Milvin DeRosa [Berkeley Institute], Nathan Morgan [Cedarbridge Academy], Padraic O’Shaughnessy [Somersfield Academy], Raguel Dill [Berkeley Institute], Shannon Batelho [Warwick Academy], Tyquann Perinchief [Saltus Grammar School], and Zachary Johnston [Mount Saint Agnes].
“The final itinerary’s key activities include attending the Rosslyn Park School Sevens [largest Sevens tournament in the world], playing Old Albanians at Allianz Park under lights, Wembley for Harlequins vs Saracens [80,000 attendance], Triangular tournament with Brighton and Teddington RFC, a tour of London, final game vs Wimbledon R.F.C, and coaching sessions with Saracens and Harlequins.”
Good luck lads ! Do Bermuda proud