Jamin Hodgkins and his Pacific Pride teammates produced a vastly improved defensive display to secure a gritty 26-26 draw against Meraloma, stemming a run of high-scoring defeats in the BC Rugby Premier League. Having conceded an average of nearly 50 points per game over their last three outings, the Pride’s "development-first" squad found the resolve to keep the Lomas at bay in a physical encounter at Connaught Park.
The result has significant implications for the bottom half of the table. The two points gained take the Lomas to 15 points from 12 games, moving them into 8th place ahead of Castaway Wanderers with a 1.25 points-per-match average. Despite the improved performance, the Pride remain rooted to 10th with five points from six games, averaging 0.83 ppm.
The Pride’s coaching staff opted for rotation in the engine room, promoting the second row from the reserves and handing Theo Espagnol a start at hooker. The backline, however, was notably missing Jacob Ince and Thomas Cuzange, with both players believed to be at a national 7s selection camp ahead of the SVNS 2 tournament in Nairobi on February 14th.
Bermudian utility back Hodgkins provided a steadying influence for the Pride from fullback, while the half-back pairing of Chris Rose and Jean-Louis Desgouttes remained unchanged to provide tactical continuity.
Meraloma relied heavily on their veteran core to navigate the stalemate, with Conor O’Brien returning to the second row and Marcus Ale stepping up from the reserves to start at Number 8. The insertion of New Zealander Malachi Te Rore – King at outside centre added the anticipated scoring spark, but it wasn't enough to overcome a Pride side that looked far more organized than in previous weeks.
The Pride now head into a bye week to reflect on their best defensive showing of the season, while the Lomas prepare for a daunting trip to face league-leaders Westshore.
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Berkeley & Stripes Crowned All-Star Champions
IslandStats.com
Bermudian rugby standout Nisaiah Berkeley and her Stripes teammates were left celebrating in Georgia after clinching the Women’s All-Star Championship XVs title.
In a high-intensity assembly of collegiate talent at Silverbacks Park, the Stripes navigated a challenging round-robin schedule to secure the hardware. The tournament featured four elite regional sides—the Hawks, Bison, Stars, and Stripes—competing in 40-minute matches designed to showcase the premier talent in the National Collegiate Rugby system.
Berkeley, an Exercise Science student at Wheeling University and a national championship winner with the Cardinals, was an integral part of a Stripes unit that displayed both attacking flair and defensive grit. The champions got their campaign off to a flyer, recording a convincing 14 - 10 victory over the Hawks to set the pace at the top of the table.
The next match saw the Stripes overcome the Bison team 24 - 12
With the title on the line in their final fixture, the Stripes faced a stern test against the Stars. In what many thought would be a tightly contested battle, Berkeley’s side held their nerve to secure a 28 - 12 win, ensuring they finished the tournament undefeated and as clear winners of the inaugural XVs showcase.
For Berkeley, the victory adds another prestigious title to an already glittering collegiate resume. Having been a key figure in Wheeling’s undefeated run to a national 15s title last autumn, her selection and subsequent success at the All-Star event further cements her reputation as one of the most promising Bermudian athletes currently competing in the United States.
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Cassidy Stars as Renegades Dominate High-Scoring Rugby
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Jessica Cassidy delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing at the National Sports Centre as the Renegades dismantled Police in a high-scoring Women's League encounter.
In a performance that will live long in the memory of those at the North Field, Cassidy crossed the whitewash a staggering six times to spearhead a 54-15 victory.
The Renegades’ offensive was relentless throughout, with Beth Magill and Nakato Luzuka both contributing early tries to set the tempo. Michelle Croghan and Ashley Godek further extended the lead, while Laura Mulligan provided the accuracy from the tee with two successful conversions to cap off a dominant afternoon.
Despite the scoreline, Police showed flashes of their trademark resilience. Akila Ciara was a constant threat, securing two hard-earned tries, while Kailey Deluka also found a gap in the Renegades’ defense to score. However, they were ultimately overwhelmed by the speed and tactical execution of a Renegades backline that seemed to find space at will.
The day's opening fixture proved to be a much closer affair, as the Teachers relied on their veteran experience to secure a 24-17 win over a spirited Bermudianas side.
The match was a showcase of rising talent and established stars. Nya Heyliger was the architect of the Teachers' victory, recording two tries with powerful runs through the heart of the Bermudianas' defense. Christiana Halliday and Somaia Saltus added single scores to keep the scoreboard ticking over, while the boot of Lysmeire Santana and Heidi Groves proved decisive, with both players slotting vital conversions.
The Bermudianas, a team built on the island's most promising youth players, pushed the league leaders to the final whistle. Zaria Codrington was the standout performer for the youthful side, scoring twice to keep the contest in the balance until the closing stages. Philipa Duarte also added a try, and Savana Greenslade’s conversion brought the Bermudianas within a single score, but the Teachers' defense held firm to maintain their winning start to the campaign.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Moongate Brewing Co. named title sponsor of Bermuda Rugby
IslandStats.com
Bermuda Rugby has officially launched the 2025–2026 domestic season with the announcement of Moongate Brewing Co. as the new title sponsor of the domestic league. Now officially known as the Bermuda Rugby Moongate League, the partnership marks a significant development for both the men’s and women’s domestic competitions. Fans can expect enhanced matchday visibility, including newly branded post pads, across all local fixtures as part of the collaboration.
A representative from Moongate Brewing Co. stated that the sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to community and shared experiences:
“Moongate Brewing Co. is proud to support Bermuda Rugby’s domestic season... We are passionate about our local community and celebrating how sport and shared experiences bring people together.”
Artie Darrell, Secretary of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union (BRFU), welcomed the new era for the league, which serves as the backbone of the island’s rugby calendar. Darrell noted that the partnership goes beyond branding, representing a "fantastic signal of confidence" in the direction of the sport in Bermuda.
The domestic season, which traditionally features a 12-round format for men's XVs and a women's 7s touch league, is scheduled to run through early March. These months of consistent competition are vital for player development ahead of a busy international schedule.
Following the conclusion of the domestic league, attention will shift to a high-stakes international window. The men’s senior XVs are slated to face regional rivals Cayman, Guyana, and Mexico.
March will also see the 10th anniversary edition of the Bermuda International 7s, which is expected to welcome U23 and high school teams from the United States, Canada, and the UK to the National Sports Center.
Bermuda's youth and national programs have a packed calendar for 2026:
Youth Tours: The Under 14 Girls will travel to the Tropical 7’s in Tampa, Florida, this April, while the Under 16 Boys are set to compete at Trinity. Select Fixtures: The BRFU is exploring international fixtures with USA South and the Atlantic Privateers. The Global Stage: The season will culminate with the Men’s Senior Sevens squad traveling to Asunción, Paraguay, as part of a 90-strong Bermuda contingent competing at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.
Having already qualified for the CAC Games by finishing fourth at the 2025 RAN Sevens, the national team has clear targets for the year ahead regarding training framework and elite performance.
Monday, January 19, 2026
Swans Soar to League Summit with ruthless New Year Display
IslandStats.com
Buckingham Swans White maintained their grip on the top of the National Challenge 1 table with a devastating 48-12 demolition of Handsworth Ladies.
Entering their first fixture of 2026, the league leaders showed no signs of festive rust as they produced a performance defined by clinical finishing and relentless forward pressure. The victory not only solidifies their position at the summit but serves as a clear statement of intent for the remainder of the campaign.
Bermudian standout Sarah Cross was once again central to the Swans' dominance. Cross, whose defensive prowess has been a hallmark of the Buckingham side this season, helped orchestrate a backline that proved too fast and too physical for the Handsworth defense to contain.
From the opening whistle, the Swans established a territorial advantage that Handsworth struggled to break. By utilizing a high-tempo game and winning the battle at the breakdown, Buckingham were able to cross the whitewash repeatedly, turning a slender early lead into a comprehensive victory by the final whistle.
The result marks a perfect start to the calendar year for the Buckinghamshire outfit. While Handsworth showed flashes of resilience to register two tries of their own, they were ultimately overwhelmed by the Swans’ superior depth and tactical execution.
