Jamaica passes host test with flying colours

IT WAS all smiles at the UWI Mona Bowl on Sunday as rugby enthusiasts, players and officials watched USA Rugby South Panthers successfully defend their Rugby Americas North women’s 15’s title with an impressive 30-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the final.

It was a clean sweep for the Americans who also secured the U19 men’s title after defeating Jamaica 18-15 on Saturday.

Outside of their dominance, the Americans were happy to, once again, be participating in the event which was also held in Jamaica last year.

“Every year that we come here, it keeps elevating. We are growing rugby in the USA and it’s an opportunity for us that we are seizing. I have played in this event three times and every year it gets better and better,” said USA player T Fletcher.

Losing finalists, Trinidad and Tobago, also had high praises for the calibre of the competition with their women’s coach, Richard Staglon, highlighting development as being a key component.

“It has been great, and one thing that I am pleased with is that our girls are allowing themselves to be coached and getting rid of the bad habits and working hard and being disciplined in these kinds of competitions.”

So impressed were the organisers of the tournament, general manager of Rugby Americas North, Niall Brooks, is hoping to make Jamaica a mainstay with regard to future competitions.

“Jamaica has been an excellent host and the challenge now with this being their second-year hosting U19s and women’s sevens is to see if they can host one of our seven-per-side regional competitions which is our flagship event. That event will feature some 20 to 30 teams participating,” said Brooks.

Jamaica Rugby Union chairman Jerry Benzwick beamed with pride that the island was once again able to host international world-class rugby.

“We are very proud to have hosted for the second year in a row and it is a privilege and honour. We feel good that the product has improved and we are hoping that we can continue to develop the sport by introducing new people so that Jamaica rugby can continue to grow,” said Benzwick

In the meantime, Sunday’s final day also saw Mexico securing the bronze medal after defeating the Cayman Islands 15-11. Bermuda secured the under-19 bronze medal on Saturday following a narrow 7-6 win over Trinidad and Tobago.