Women’s National Rugby Team Reveal New Kit
After 3-plus years away from the field due to the pandemic, Women’s Rugby in Bermuda is making a comeback as they set their sights on an international campaign in Mexico on November 11 – 13 at the 2022 RAN Super Sevens, hosted in Mexico City at Deportivo Alfredo Harp Helu of Ciudad Universitaria.
A spokesperson said, “With new energy behind the women’s programme, the development of women’s rugby on-island has been heavily supported by local sponsors BF&M, Aspen, Sompo and DHL. Their commitment ensures that the programme has the necessary pitch facilities, equipment and resources to develop the talent pool in Bermuda. In recognition of their support, the women’s new playing kit carries each of their logos for visibility during the televised tour.
“The three-day tournament – which features Senior and Age-grade divisions for Men and Women – will act as a qualifying tournament for the Centro Caribe Games in 2023 and the 2023 Pan American Games and sits under the regional organisation, Rugby Americas North [RAN].
“While it has yet to be confirmed how many teams from RAN will qualify to compete in the Centro Caribe Sevens, the top two Senior Men’s and Women’s teams from the Competition will compete in the 2023 Pan American Sevens in Chile, along with the USA and Canada who have already pre-qualified.
“Women’s contact rugby has seen a resurgence this year since covid guidelines have been relaxed, allowing teams to return to the field and get back into regular training. There has been a targeted focus on recruiting new female players to the sport to help rebuild numbers following the pandemic.”
Team Captain, Corrie Cross said: “I’m really excited for our team to go to Mexico and compete. We have been working together for over 6 months and we have a great group of girls at various levels on the spectrum when it comes to experience. We’re grateful to have this opportunity and we want to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors.
“This tournament is going to be a great opportunity not only to play great rugby but to get an understanding of where we stand in the region. This team is in development – it’s the first time this group of individuals have competed together, and for some of the ladies it’s their first international rugby match.
“Additionally this tournament is special one for me as my mother, Gillian Cross, and sister, Sarah Cross, will be playing together for the first time. Sarah is 17, the youngest player on the team and this tournament will be her first international rugby cap representing Bermuda.
“I’m expecting us to come away having learned a lot and to use the results of this upcoming tournament as the launching pad for further growth of the Bermuda women’s rugby programe.”
The spokesperson said, “The squad will feature returning international players Corrie Cross [captain], Gillian Cross, Lysmeiri Santana Suazo, Camille Chin-Gurret, Cerise Woodley and Kelli Nusum, alongside international debutants Nisaiah Berkeley, Bella Greene, Sarah Cross, Heidi Groves, Nkechi Oyemhen and Andrea Ottley, who will make their first appearance for Bermuda in Mexico this this weekend.”
Alvin Harvey, Bermuda Rugby veteran and coach for the Women’s National Team commented: “I am honoured to be the coach of this wonderful, committed and determined group of women as they’ve prepared for their first full contact games since 2019.
“We have had the same challenges as most sports due to covid, yet against the odds we’ve been able to put together a well-balanced team with a mixture of experience and rookies and I have every confidence that they will give it their best from the first whistle of the first of six games to the final whistle of the last.”
The spokesperson said, “Bermuda’ Senior Women’s team will face strong opposition from Mexico, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, playing across two days.
“The team are eager and ready to represent Bermuda in the upcoming international. Matches will be broadcast live via RAN’s website.”
