Hodgkins and Manly Snatch Victory from Sydney University
IslandStats.com
The spirit of the "Manly Marlins" was on full display this afternoon as their second-grade side produced a Houdini-like escape to stun Sydney University in a Shute Shield classic.
In a match that appeared lost with ten minutes remaining, the Marlins overcame a daunting 12-point deficit to secure a breathtaking 37-36 victory with the final kick of the game.
The encounter was a high-octane affair from the whistle, but it was the students from Sydney University who seemed to have the measure of the contest as the clock ticked toward the eighty-minute mark. However, the Marlins, featuring Bermudian international fly-half Jamin Hodgkins, refused to wave the white flag.
A relentless late surge saw Manly camp inside the University 22, chipping away at the lead. As the game entered "red time" with no room for error, the Marlins launched one final, desperate assault. The pressure finally told when Rex Collins crashed over for a try to bring Manly within a single point.
The drama didn't end there. With the result of the match resting on the conversion, the Marlins kept their nerve. The successful kick—the final touch of a pulsating afternoon—completed the comeback and sparked jubilant celebrations among the Manly faithful.
For Hodgkins, who made his highly anticipated debut for the club just last month, the victory is a significant marker in his first season in the Shute Shield. The former Warwick Academy student has been instrumental in directing the Marlins' attack since arriving from Canada's Pacific Pride Academy, and today's resilient team performance further cements the side's reputation as a "never-say-die" outfit.
The win provides a massive momentum boost for the Manly club as they continue their 2026 campaign in what is widely regarded as the premier club competition in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Bermuda Edge Guyana in RAN Opener as Cayman Clash Looms
IslandStats.com
The Rugby Americas North interregional test schedule has burst into life, with Bermuda’s Men’s XVs side securing a hard-fought opening victory away from home. In a tense Tier 2 encounter that tested the resolve of both sets of players, the Bermudians managed to stifle a physical Guyana challenge to walk away with a narrow nine points to five win.
The contest in Guyana was a tactical affair where territorial control and discipline proved to be the deciding factors. In a match where clear-cut tries were at a premium, the visitors relied on a disciplined and accurate kicking game to punish Guyanese infractions. Bermuda’s ability to convert penalty opportunities into points allowed them to maintain a slender lead throughout the afternoon, eventually holding firm against a late surge from the hosts to secure the points.
This year’s Men’s XVs competition operates under a promotion and relegation model across three tiers, designed to reward development with higher-level fixtures while maintaining competitive balance. Tier 2 represents the busiest bracket of the 2026 season, with four nations battling through a rigorous group stage to determine regional supremacy.
The result puts Bermuda in a strong position, but a significant hurdle remains on the horizon. The Cayman Islands currently stand as the definitive team to beat in the group after a perfect run of form in 2025. They arrive in the competition with a superior world ranking and the momentum of an unbeaten streak that the rest of the field will be desperate to break.
Bermuda now returns to home soil to prepare for what is expected to be the defining fixture of their campaign. They are scheduled to host the Cayman Islands on May 15th at the National Sports Centre North Field. With the pressure of the promotion race intensifying, the upcoming clash in Devonshire will likely determine which nation takes the initiative in the hunt for Tier 1 status.
Monday, April 27, 2026
Hurdle Shines at Emory & Henry Rugby Awards
IslandStats.com
Bermudian rugby standout Alexia Hurdle has seen her formidable season officially recognized, picking up two major honours at the Emory & Henry University Women’s Rugby annual awards program.
In a season where the Wasps have continued to establish themselves as a rising force in the collegiate game, Hurdle’s individual contributions were a central theme of the night's celebrations.
Hurdle’s impact on the pitch was cemented as she was named the Co-Forward of the Year. The award reflects a season defined by physical dominance and tactical intelligence in the set-piece, where her work rate and strength have been pivotal to Emory & Henry’s forward momentum.
The honour is a testament to Hurdle’s transition into a leadership role within the pack, providing the platform from which the Wasps’ expansive backline has been able to thrive throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Beyond her technical prowess, Hurdle was also the recipient of the prestigious Coach’s Award. Typically reserved for players who demonstrate exceptional work ethic, leadership, and a "team-first" mentality, the accolade highlights her influence within the squad’s culture.
The recognition comes at a significant time for the Bermudian, who has balanced her collegiate commitments with a growing presence on the international stage. Her ability to maintain high standards in training and match-day execution has clearly made a lasting impression on the coaching staff.
The double-award win caps off a stellar year for Hurdle, who has become one of the most reliable names on the Emory & Henry team sheet. As the program looks toward next season, Hurdle is expected to remain a cornerstone of the Wasps' ambitions as they chase further success in the collegiate ranks.
For the rugby community back in Bermuda, Hurdle’s success abroad continues to serve as a blueprint for the island’s burgeoning talent looking to make their mark in the North American system.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Hodgkins & Manly Held in Shute Shield Stalemate
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s Jamin Hodgkins and his Manly Marlins teammates were forced to settle for a hard-fought 24-24 draw against Northern Suburbs as the Shute Shield season intensifies at Manly Oval.
In a classic North Shore derby, the Marlins showcased their attacking flair but were ultimately pegged back by a resilient "Norths" side in a seesaw encounter that kept the home crowd on edge until the final whistle.
The Marlins’ offense was spearheaded by a standout performance from Will Kaye, who proved to be a thorn in the Northern Suburbs' side throughout the afternoon. Kaye crossed the white line twice, showing exceptional pace to finish off two well-worked team movements.
Kaye’s contribution extended beyond his try-scoring exploits; he remained clinical with the boot, adding three conversions and a crucial penalty to ensure the Marlins stayed within touching distance during a physical second half. Billy Dickens provided the other try for the home side, burrowing over from close range following a dominant period of forward pressure.
In just his second appearance for the club, Bermudian international Jamin Hodgkins was handed the starting fly-half jersey. The 23-year-old, who arrived in Sydney this year with eyes on the 2027 Rugby World Cup, looked increasingly comfortable directing the Marlins' backline.
Hodgkins showed glimpses of the tactical maturity that made him a standout in Canada’s Pacific Pride system, varying his play well between a probing kicking game and flat, crisp distribution to his outside backs. While the Marlins will be disappointed not to have secured their first win of the campaign following their narrow opening-day defeat to the Hunter Wildfires, the composure shown by Hodgkins in the "number 10" shirt remains a significant positive for the club.
The result marks the first draw between these two traditional rivals in recent seasons, following a high-scoring 41-38 victory for Northern Suburbs just a year ago. For the Marlins, the 24-24 result leaves them hungry for a breakthrough win as they prepare for the next round of Shute Shield action.
With the foundations of a potent attacking game now established, Manly will look to tighten their defensive discipline as they aim to climb the ladder in what is widely regarded as Australia's premier club rugby competition.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Bermuda Set for RAN U19 Championship in August
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s rising rugby stars are preparing to take their place on the international stage once more, as Rugby Americas North (RAN) confirmed the return of the Men’s Under-19 XVs Championship to Querétaro, Mexico.
The tournament serves as the final act of a three-year hosting bid by Federación Mexicana de Rugby, with the region's elite youth talent descending on the world-class FC Total facility. However, in a strategic shift caused by the 2026 FIFA World Cup logistical demands, the tournament has moved from its traditional mid-July slot to the first week of August to ensure smoother travel for the participating unions.
Bermuda has been among the first to confirm their involvement, signaling the island's continued commitment to the youth pathway. They will be joined by regional rivals the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, alongside hosts Mexico.
The competition for the Bermudian squad will be particularly fierce this year, with the United States confirmed to send their College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) Men’s U19s. The American program is specifically designed as a high-performance bridge to their senior national team, elevating the standard of play expected in Querétaro.
The tournament is more than just a quest for silverware; it remains a vital developmental tool for the Bermuda Rugby Football Union. FMRU President Pablo Septien emphasized that the event provides "meaningful international minutes" for players, coaches, and match officials alike.
For the Bermudian youngsters, the opportunity to play fifteen-a-side rugby against varied tactical styles is essential for their progression into the senior ranks. As the programs across the Caribbean and North America continue to professionalize, the skill gap is closing, promising the most competitive age-grade tournament to date.
While the full competition format and pool stages are yet to be finalized, the confirmation of Bermuda's place in the draw ensures the island's rugby heritage continues to be represented at the highest regional level. All eyes now turn to the August heat of Mexico, where the next generation of Gombey Warriors will look to leave their mark.
