A roster made up of 23 of Canada's rising stars will travel to Bermuda for their first ever International Rugby Tour this week when a Under 14 Invitational side departs from Toronto. The team is made up of players from across the country, including reps from Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Chilliwack, Campbell River, Toronto and St. John's, Newfoundland.
The team is set to travel March 13th – 19th and their packed agenda includes a two-day tournament, beach rugby events and family-oriented activities.
Canada's NACRA (North American Caribbean Rugby Association) rep and former Rugby Canada Chairman Rick Bourne pursued the initiative as a way to introduce some of the country's future rugby stars to the opportunities that await them over the next few years. Bourne has also worked extensively with this age group and is currently a mini rugby coach with Vancouver's UBC Old Boy Ravens.
The itinerary includes a seven-a-side tournament at Bermuda's the National Sports Center, part of a Major Rugby Festival scheduled for the region.
The Canadian Under 14’s will also be playing in a 12-aside match against Bermuda this weekend at the National Sports Centre. The 'Test' match will be in front of a packed house, during the half time break between local Senior Men's sides Bermuda Selects and Yale.
"We recently had some meetings with NACRA officials in both Florida and Cuba and were discussing ways to further develop the game in our region. With an event like this for younger players I thought it would be a great way to not only help develop junior rugby in Canada but it also provides another opportunity for growth in Bermuda," Bourne said. "Hopefully we can see this continue to develop and in the future have teams like USA, Mexico and representatives from the Caribbean taking part."
The team will be based in Hamilton and are also set to compete in the local Horseshoe Bay Rugby Tournament on Monday, played on the white Sandy Beaches Bermuda is renowned for.
"This trip will really be a neat start to something that we hope builds into something greater," added Bourne. "We've been working closely with Bermuda Rugby Chairman Keith Hodgkins and it should be a great experience for both our Canadian players and the host union."
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