TCIRFU - The Story So Far

For those unfamiliar with the development of rugby in the TCI, a brief history:

As anybody who knows these islands will testify, grass is a rare luxury and so non contact 'touch' rugby prevailed as the preferred version of the game for many years. Originally played on the parade grounds of Grand Turk, 'touch' moved onto the equally unforgiving surface of the old Ballpark on Provo, where until the construction of the new Astroturf pitch, the first rule of rugby was "don't fall over on the ballpark" - As any overzealous new recruit found out, injuries came easily and healed slowly...!

Consequently, any rugby enthusiast eager for the full contact of the game was forced to look overseas. Following our first tour to Tamarac, FL in the late '90s TCIRFU had established a tradition of touring to Nassau, the Dominican Republic, Carib 7's in Trinidad, and the NAWIRA 7's in recent years. Having won some and lost more, one of the more notable achievements was being voted "Most Sociable Team" in Trinidad, perhaps reflecting what the game is all about.

Having formed an official rugby union in 2001, TCIRFU is now recognized by the West Indies Rugby Union and we have been able to participate in the regional international competitions. The development of rugby in the TCI relies on our ability to attract young local islanders to the sport and every one of our overseas tours has included sponsorship for 3-4 local T&C islanders to travel and play. This active development spearheaded by the tireless President, Keith Burant, culminated in the election of one of our local rising stars Jahmal Misick as club Captain in 2007.

We currently have an annual home and away series with the Bahamas Rugby Union, competing for the Conch Cup. This has been a wonderful success with both unions sending teams to Providenciales and Nassau. The inaugural match held in Provo was a great game with the Flamingo's claiming first bragging rights. The Bahamians won back the Cup in Feb 2008 in Nassau, and the TCIRFU is looking at reclaiming the trophy in the next match in Provo.

This ongoing development has continued with the establishment of a junior rugby development program in the island, headed by James Hamilton. This has seen numerous youngsters introduced to the sport through school contact, or the Saturday morning beach sessions held on beautiful Grace Bay.

Our other main focus for the development of the game is the construction of our own rugby pitch. Work is currently underway for the ground in Grace Bay Village, the site for which has been generously donated by Mr Frank Coggins. To date, we have cleared and leveled the pitch, constructed a 20,000 gallon water cistern, laid pipe work for lighting, water and electrical services and are completed the irrigation system. As a non-profit organization, without the benefit of external funding TCIRFU has raised and invested in excess of $30,000 in the pitch to date in addition significant donations of time and equipment from several local contractors. As with many construction projects in the Caribbean, the schedule for completion is "soon come", however, we hope to have the pitch nearing completion by year end - and look forward to hosting overseas teams looking to visit the TCI.