Dante Noel-Simmons Set For Schools’ Cup Final
Bermudian Dante Noel-Simmons will start for Campbell College in the 2026 Schools’ Cup Final.
A spokesperson said, “Bermudian student-athlete Dante Noel-Simmons, formerly of Warwick Academy, will start for the Campbell College 1st XV in the 2026 Danske Bank Schools’ Cup Final on St Patrick’s Day. The Schools’ Cup, first contested in 1876, is one of the most prestigious and historic schoolboy rugby tournaments in the world and remains the pinnacle of the Ulster Schools’ rugby season.
“Dante began his rugby journey in Bermuda’s youth rugby programme. His move to Belfast, Northern Ireland, opened a new chapter, allowing him to combine his studies with high-level rugby development at Campbell College, a school long recognised for its sporting tradition and boarding heritage.
Images courtesy of Carolyn Magowan from Aperture Photography NI.
“Founded in 1894, Campbell College is known for its rich rugby history and proven record of developing players who progress from elite schoolboy representative rugby in Ulster into provincial academies, senior professional teams, Ireland age-grade squads, and ultimately full international honours. The College provides a structured and competitive rugby environment supported by expert coaching and a strong all-boys boarding and day community.
“Dante’s pathway has also been shaped by the influence of his late father, Devrae Noel-Simmons, a former Bermuda national team rugby player and respected coach whose contributions to youth sport and community life were widely recognised. The support extended to Dante and his family by Bermuda’s rugby community, including initiatives from the Teachers Rugby Club, reflects both Devrae’s legacy and the close connections that define Bermudian sport.
“Alongside his school commitments, Dante has gained valuable international experience representing Bermuda at youth level. He was selected for the Bermuda Under 19 squad at the 2024 Rugby Americas North XVs Championships, where he scored in the team’s opening match against Mexico. He later represented Bermuda in Rugby Sevens at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay, scoring in matches against Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.”
Now in his final year at Campbell College, Mr Noel-Simmons has become an important member of the 1st XV, contributing significantly to the squad’s outstanding run to this season’s Schools’ Cup Final. Head Coach Ritchie McMaster commented, “Over his four years at Campbell, Dante has left a mark that goes far beyond the pitch. He grew from a talented young player into a dependable, hardworking, and humble leader who set standards for others and strengthened our squad’s culture.”
The spokesperson said, “Dante’s journey is a powerful example of how Bermudian talent can flourish internationally while remaining firmly connected to its roots.
“As Campbell College prepares for the showcase event of the Ulster schools rugby calendar, Dante steps onto the field carrying the pride of his teammates, his school community, and the island that first nurtured his love for the game.”
