18 teams for Rugby 7s tournament

THE Rugby Barbados World 7s International Tournament is expected to see a growth in participation this year.

During Tuesday’s media launch at the headquarters of the Barbados Olympic Association, tournament organiser Brian Stollmeyer said 18 teams had confirmed their participation for the December 9-10 tournament at Trents, St James.

“We have got already six teams from the United States coming, two from Canada, one from the United Kingdom and nine from the Caribbean and that is from Guadeloupe, St Lucia, Trinidad and Barbados,” he said.

“We have three teams from Barbados, three teams from Trinidad, two from St Lucia and we have actually attracted a French team. The Guadeloupe folks are coming and they enjoy themselves tremendously.”

Stollmeyer said newcomers Project Waterboys from Scotland, the Titans women from the United States and defending champions North East Academy are strong invitational teams, while the Atlantis teams are feeder teams for the United States national teams.

“They are sending men’s and women’s teams and likewise Scion Sirens in the New York area are coming again. The Rogues from Canada are sending two teams as well. So it is a nice mixture so far: ten men’s and eight women’s [teams],” he said. 

Stollmeyer said there was interest from another 20 teams, who have not yet confirmed their attendance.