Rugby Team Named For Game vs Cayman
Brian Archibald has selected Bermuda’s 23-man squad for Saturday’s crucial clash against the Cayman Islands at the National Sports Centre, which will kick-off at 7:00pm.
There are five changes from the team that lost 59-7 to Mexico two weeks ago.
Mikle Dill, who returned to the island this week after spending the past 5 months at the Stellenbosch Rugby Academy in South Africa, is the only change to the backline.
Upfront, powerful young prop, Pernell Brangman Jr. is rewarded with a return to the squad following his hard work over the past season.
Brynley Toms will gain his first senior cap, and will represent Bermuda for the first time since winning the regional U19 Championship in 2010.
The 6’ 4”, 130kg prop is the son of local rugby legend Brian Toms, and has being playing for Bedwas RFC in the Welsh Premier Division for the past four seasons, having previously representing Wales Students during his time at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Also in line to make their senior National XV debuts on Saturday are backrow forwards Ben Cook and Tommy Hart, another member of Bermuda’s 2010 U19 XV Championship winning team.
BRFU President, Sean Field-Lament exclaimed, “This is old fashioned Caribbean rugby rivalry at its best. Caymans have had the upper hand of late, but a blend of experience and youth in the Bermuda squad promises to make it an exciting match.”
BRFU Chairman Gareth Nokes added, “It’s great to see so many of our youth players coming through for international recognition. The future of Bermuda Rugby is looking very promising, however this will certainly be a great test for them. I can’t wait to see how far they have progressed!”
Team Manager Artie Darrell stated, “While disappointed with our result against Mexico, there are plenty of bright points; our open field play was very strong and we have great ball carriers who play smart, heads-up rugby. We also gave our rookies much needed game time and have shown the youth how high the bar is at this level.”
“We have spent the last few weeks regrouping, working on our weaknesses while sharpening our strong points. While it is often a cliché, we must spend our time and energy working on the simple things in the game. During set piece line outs and scrums against Mexico, we often lost possession. This results in much less game time actually holding the ball, making our job a lot more difficult.”
“We must say thank you to MS Amlin and DHL for their continued sponsorship, and the support from the community. We look forward to everyone coming down to support Bermuda’s National Rugby Team this Saturday at the National Sports Centre after the Americas Cup.”
Kick off is at 7:00pm, and admission is free.
Bermuda’s Men’s National Rugby XV vs Cayman Islands
- Forwards; Dustin Archibald, Pernell Brangman Jr., Ben Cook*, Pete Dunkerly [Captain], Ben Green, Thomas Greenslade, Tommy Hart*, Conor McGlynn, Simon Petler, Adam Richards, Darren Richardson, Brynley Toms* & Mikey Williams.
- Backs; Corey Boyce, Dan Cole, Rich Cumbers, Tashon DeSilva, Mikle Dill, Jahniko Francis, Tom Healy, Tyler Kendall, Calum Maule, & Chris Naylor
- Head Coach: Brian Archibald
- Forwards Coach: Derek Hurdle Jr.
- Team Manager: Artie Darrell
- Team Physio: Stephen Lightbourne
- Referee: Talal Chaudry [Rugby Canada]
- AR1: Peter Pender [Rugby Canada]
- AR2: Nhlangniso Moyo [Bermuda Rugby]
- No4: Jamie Pooley [Bermuda Rugby]
- No5: Pat McHugh [Bermuda Rugby]
- Match Commissioner: Scott Harland [Rugby Americas North]
