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IslandStats.com

Bermuda’s national rugby sevens teams have been named for the 2025 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens, with both the men’s and women’s sides preparing to represent the island later this month in Trinidad and Tobago. The tournament, which runs from 21st–23rd November at Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, will see 20 teams from 15 nations compete over three days of fast-paced action. For Bermuda, it represents not only a chance to test themselves against the region’s top talent but also a significant marker in the country’s continuing effort to rebuild and grow its sevens programmes.

For the women’s team, this year’s event marks a triumphant return to the regional stage after a two-year absence. Their comeback has been driven by a renewed sense of purpose and the tireless work of veteran player and BRFU Women’s Representative Gillian Cross, who has been instrumental in rebuilding support for the women’s game from the ground up.

Her efforts have helped restore the foundation of support, structure, and participation needed to sustain women’s rugby in Bermuda. With her has come a strong back-room team, including head coach Andy Crichton, Anthony Cupidore as defence and tackling specialist, Dr. Spencer Brown overseeing injury prevention, and Bobby Hurdle leading strength and conditioning. They are supported by assistant coaches D’Zuri Gill and Deneka Borden, who bring both recent playing experience and developing coaching talent to the setup.

Crichton, returning to the helm after previously guiding Bermuda’s women to a podium finish at RAN several years back, said he was delighted to see the team back in international contention.

“I’m very excited to be again coaching the Bermuda women’s sevens team for RAN 2025 in T&T,” he said. “We’ve selected a squad of really talented athletes who bring a mix of youth and experience, with a significant number playing a high level of rugby overseas. Our preparation has focused on skill set, mindset, and structure, and we’ve worked hard throughout the summer to ensure we peak for the tournament. All cash donations welcome to support the team!”

The women’s side will be captained by Corrie Cross, with Apryl Jackson as vice-captain. Both have been central to rekindling the team’s competitive spirit and providing leadership to a growing pool of players.

Women’s Captain Cross commented: “We’re really excited for RAN 2025, the team has been working hard over the last few months. We are looking to display our style of rugby and improve from previous standings in the tournament. Amongst our squad are several girls coming from the UK, including Najée Pitt Clarke (Reading University), Sarah Cross (University of Buckingham), Satya Darrell (University of Manchester) and myself at (Cardiff Metropolitan University). Additionally, one of our veteran players, Kelli Nusum, is currently playing for London Irish Emeralds in the UK, making the variety of experience available to us this year a first in our team’s history.”

The full women’s squad, sponsored by Ark Bermuda, features Camille Chin-Gurret, Corrie Cross, Sarah Cross, Satya Darrell, Samantha Dill, Bella Greene, Heidi Groves, Lysmeiri Santana Suazo, Apryl Jackson, Kelli Nusum, NajéePitt-Clarke, and Marseille Williams, a blend of familiar names and promising new talent.

For the men, head coach Lucas Nyamoto has selected a balanced and athletic squad combining speed, experience, and youthful energy. His side will be led by co-captains Hadleigh Tucker and Alex Brown, both of whom have become key figures in Bermuda’s sevens setup.

The full men’s squad list, sponsored by Paradise Mobile, includes Alex Brown, Jamie Baum, Jahniko Francis, Khabir Dill, Alex Doyling, D’Zuri Gill, Jaiden Hill, Aiden Kendall, Brandon Sangster, Ja’kee Simons, Hadleigh Tucker, and Kelin Savanno Williams, a lineup that underscores Bermuda Rugby’s focus on developing depth and continuity within the national programme.