TURKS & CAICOS
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CLEMENT HOWELL AND LOUISE GARLAND WIN U18 AND U15 HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY TOURNAMENT
04 March 2024
On Friday February 23, 2024, the InterIsland High School Rugby Championship was held at Meridian Field in Grace Bay, with14 teams and 156 players competing for the hotly contested tournament.
The event was held under perfect skies and the teams were all grateful for the team tents provided for every team by the TCIRFU. Running a tournament where you have many teams and playing over 25 games to determine the victor requires effective organization to ensure the games run smoothly and on time.
Having 20 Brock students to assist certainly made the job of the TCIRFU much easier and ensured the event was finished successfully and on time. The Brock students had been in TCI for the past 10 days visiting over 25 schools in the TCI delivering a positive social message to both TCI high school and primary school students. The message was imparted using a 3-part plan. Brock students developed a relationship with students by teaching rugby skills to the TCI students during school hours. Brock then had a specialized presentation team attend the schools where a 30-45 interactive positive social message was done with the students who had previously attended the rugby coaching sessions.
TCI students were much more likely to engage in discussion if they had spent time prior with the Brock students for rugby coaching. The final phase was for the TCI students to attend a rugby tournament or festival, where the TCI students would be encouraged to stay in school etc. The Brock University students would be available at the two events to talk with the TCI students and try to answer any specific Brock or post-secondary education questions.
After the completion of pool play and semifinal matches, Louise Garland faced Provo Middle School in the finals of the U15 competition. Alexander Hernandez sounded the whistle and Aiden Docherty from Provo Middle School kicked off and the contest was on.
Excited voices rang across the pitch as the LG side flung the rugby ball from side to side seeking a chink in the defense. Strong runs were met by exciting tackles as the smaller Provo Middle School players were forced to dive on several occasions to seize the LG tags. Eventually Jordan Louise was fed a pass in space, and he raced down the touch line to score the first try of the match. Play went back and forth with Provo Middle School matching LG try for try.
Score was tied at 2-2 when LG managed to break free from their own end and score the final try of the match, winning 3-2. Clement Howell H.S faced off against Louise Garland in the U18 final in an electrifying final match. LG needed to utilize some players from their U15 team and their coach did his best to delay the start time of the final to give his players as much rest as possible.
At the kick off CH players quickly showed plenty of flair in trying to outstep the defense, but LG defended their half with vigor. As the game progressed the CH players started to pick holes in the LG defense and eventually Rayshawn Rigby dotted down for a score. LG struck back through a quick offensive series and tied the match. However, CH were not to be outdone and managed to score 3 more tires before LG pulled with 2 with a score. CH scored with less than 1 minute left to secure the victory 5-2.
The TCIRFU was very happy with the team and player turnout. Rugby is now firmly imbedded in the hearts of many young players and we look forward to seeing these young players improve their skills in the coming months.
Dr. Cousens, a professor from Brock University explained the process in more detail.
“Brock Students Leave Legacy of Resilience & Stay In School. Decades of using sport as a means for social change is exemplified by hundreds of sport for development programs delivered globally that have at their heart, addressing social issues. Whether it’s tackling anti-social behaviours and fear of crime, to raising educational standards to fostering social integration. Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) has captured the interest of scholars and practitioners worldwide who recognize the power of sport to exert positive influences on societal issues among, for example, children and youth. Given the inherent benefits of sport, SDP programs focus on improving the lives of those at risk by building awareness and promoting positive social change.”
In preparation for the SDP program in TCI, 21 Brock Students from nursing, education, geography, and sport management dedicated months to researching key issues in TCI and developing informed resilience that were integrated into the school rugby-for-development itinerary.
In the months leading up to their time in TCI, the students took courses, drew from knowledge of successful sport for development programs, and learned about the contextual issues in the Turks and Caicos Island by reviewing UN reports, news articles and in conversations with members of the Turks and Caicos Rugby Football Union.
Highly prepared and motivated to deliver critical messages of resilience and stay-in-school, the Brock students arrived on February 14th. Further preparation included a tour of the school locations and sport playing areas, presentations to reinforce critical messaging across the Brock team, and selecting age-appropriate rugby programming for the primary and elementary schools.
A specialized team of Brock Students created a student-focussed presentation focussing on “stay in school” and “stay away from gangs” to high school students Grand Turks, North Caicos and Provo. The interactive presentation enabled students to share their reservations and fears about gangs and bullying. The Brock Presentation Team used the informed dialogue techniques with students to reinforce critical messages and provide tools to assist vulnerable students.
In Provo, members of Brock’s women’s varsity rugby players lead the team coaching rugby in the primary and high schools which fostered relationships between the Brock students and the children and youth on these islands. This relational development culminated at the two rugby tournaments hosted at Meridian Field on February 23 (senior tournament) and 24 (primary school rugby festival).”
TCIRFU was pleased to have Minister Rachel Taylor, PS CherylAnne Jones and Sports Commission Director Jarrett Forbes attend the High School tournament on Friday.
Minister Taylor commented: “I am filled with a sense of appreciation, as we witnessed the level of partnership between the Rugby Union and that of the Departments of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Education by extension. This level of support strengthens opportunities for our Youth to learn, grow and thrive in the sport of Rugby and at the same time promote discipline, teamwork and leadership skills.”
“The days spent visiting the schools around the islands with members from Brock University is a testament of the inclusive approach taken to engage our students. The visit from representatives of Brock University also provided an opportunity for further discussions in relation to Sports Tourism and Educational partnerships with our Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. We anticipate this new relationship that will further advance our efforts in the area of sports and education.”
The excellent condition of Meridian Field was mentioned by all government parties and TCIRFU President Keith Burant explained that growing grass in the TCI is not easy and requires constant attention and expenditure of $$$ for water, irrigation system, fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides. Most of all a playing field needs love. The rugby field should be consider by all as a safe space and the TCI RFU encourages anybody to visit the field in order to relax, exercise meditate, study or plan.
Brock students revitalizing Rugby in schools
21 February 2024
20 Brock students and 2 professors arrived in TCI on the 14th Feb.
They will be touring the Islands throughout their stay, visiting schools, teaching and promoting rugby, with 2 tournaments taking place in Providenciales at the end of the week.
Yesterday (Feb 20th), Brock sent 7 students to GT where they visited two primary schools and the high school. There was lots of enthusiasm from both all involved. In addition to rugby training session, Brock will be providing commentary on the social benefits and rewards of our beloved sport. They will also be attending the Mens & Womens training sessions and Thursday nights Tag League so make sure you dont miss an opportunity to meet (& play) with our Canadian Visitors!
TCIRFU and Brock University (Canada) will be hosting . . .
High School Tag Rugby Tournament
Friday @ Meridian Field
9am - 2pm.
Primary school Tag Rugby Tournament
Saturday @ Meridian Field
9am - 2pm.
Refreshments for players will kindly be provided by
Graceway
Thank you for your continued support!
Please come and join us on Friday and Saturday to show your support for the young players, Brock Students & TCIRFU Volunteers!
Queens of Tag - Tournament
29 June 2023
Tournament update: All five school teams showed up on time ready for 10am kickoff. The 6th team was a composite team of schools who didn't have enough players. With a late format change from 2 pools of 3 to straight up league table of 5, with only 2 games per round, the 3 referees were kept busy all day ensuring a fair standard of play.
Not a lot of passing (something to work on perhaps) but plenty of hard running and ankle breakers. Incredible sportswomanship, checking on the other player after a clumsy tackles.
A handful of very promising athletes although most are already involved in other sports. The final round game just happened to be a top of the table decider featuring Louise Garland (2) & Wesley Methodist (0), which was played as a stand-alone final.
Wesley Stars were sadly very poor losers and wouldn't shake hands after the game but were otherwise well behaved in all their games.
Water bottles were given out to all and were very well appreciated, with only 6 left out of 90.
A few of the U19 boys to help out and they did setup and pack away which was awesome to supervise. All done before 3pm.
A very successful day all round!
Update on Anderson Alexanders recovery
21 June 2023
The go fund me link is back up and running. If anyone wants to make any donations they can via the go fund me account (link below) as well as a direct transfer to a Meridian FirstCaribbean account set up specifically to look after any donations people want to make directly.
CIBC- Anderson Alexander- 10561385
Anderson has written a letter below to provide an update on his condition and to send a message of thanks to all that have helped him during this difficult period.
Hello rugby family, I want to start off by saying thank you guys for your support and prayers I highly appreciate each and everyone of you. Most of you may know I had a bad accident a while back and had to leave the island for treatment and therapy. I want you guys to know that I’m doing well and healthy.
Therapy here is going good. It may not be as quick and effective as I thought it to be but everything is falling into place slowly. I’m making a lot of progress and getting stronger by the day.
I am able to do certain daily activities on my own, such as drinking water, eating on my own, taken my shirt off and putting it back on on my own and I’m also able to move my wheelchair around without help.
I am able to feel my body again now is all about conditioning and gaining my strength back, my hands aren’t frozen anymore but I’m still having a tough time moving my fingers. Thanks to aquatic therapy. I am able to swim again and gain strength in parts of my body that was weak. I’m regaining strength in my spine, I can now feel touch in my back area and almost able to get up and sit from the laying position without any help, my legs are still a work in progress and these days my therapist is working really hard to get them moving again and I can feel them now but still don’t have the strength to move them independently yet.
Overall, I’m doing really well and I have been told by both of my therapist that there is a strong possibility of me getting back on my feet once again I highly appreciate each and everyone of you for standing by me and helping me out through this process. I still have a long road ahead of me, but with a high drive and determination I will get there.
Much love, Anderson
Paul O'Connell confirmed for TCIRFU Summer Ball
19 April 2023
British & Irish Lion, Ireland, & Munster Legend Paul O'Connell will join us for this years Summer Rugby Event as our Guest Speaker. POC and family will be here from around 2 Jun - 11 Jun. There will be opportunites to meet throughout the week at the beach, at the field, on the golf course & at the dinner.
The dinner is scheduled be on Sat 10th June at Wymara. Save the date folks!
TCI loose narrowly to strong DC side 19-15
4 March 2023
TCIRFU travelled to the USA capitol to take on a Washington side that, like us, were looking for there first taste of 15's since the pandemic. The game was played at a fast pace with both teams scoring 3 tries a piece. Only conversions split the two with Washington converting 2 out 3, and TCI converting 0 out of 3.
The boys were treated to an evening of festivities in several local spots. No injuries to report, only sore heads!
Smart Solar TCI donate panels to TCIRFU
16 June 2022
TCIRFU wants to send a big thank you to the guys at Smart Solar TCI for generously hooking the Rugby Club up with this slick looking solar system at cost! Thank you for supporting the club! This will allow us to run services & AC throughout the day, reducing our bills and enabling us to focus on being a rugby club / charity. Ideal if you are interested in booking the facility for an event.
Junior Rugby Thrives
11 June 2022
The future international talent of the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to shine on the rugby field as Junior Rugby numbers continue to grow. Under the coaching of Nik Hight, Gabby Dunnage, Stanley Haven the future Flamingos have been enjoying their Saturday morning sessions at the Meridian Field. With an emphasis on fun and games the young boys and girls have seen their skills grow as they learn what is for many of them a new sport. Junior rugby will continue with the under 10s age group from 9-10 on Saturday mornings until June 25. No experience is necessary, please send children with a water bottle.
Mudda Siccers Top Turtles of Doom for Tag Rugby Championship
13 May 2022
After a closely fought season between the team in the Turks and Caicos Rugby Football Union Tag League it was appropriate that the final would come down to the closing seconds. Contesting the final was the Unicorns of Doom and the Mudda Sic'ers, having finished the top of the table after league play. The Turtles came out strong in the first half nudging ahead from tries by Venisha Alfreda and Joe Ryan. With only 20 minutes left on their season the Muddas regrouped, lead by Augustin Modeste, trading blows with the Turtles in the second half. With only moments to play Modeste broke through the Turtle defensive line to take the lead for the Muddas and secure the silverware. Following the success of the Spring Tag League the Summer tag league will commence Thursday May 12 at 630pm. New players are always welcome.
TCI Beat Hosts in Nassau Tournament
27 April 2022
The young Turks and Caicos National Sevens team came back with some big wins and a lot of learning from the recent Rugby Americas North Sevens in Nassau Bahamas (April 23-24), the biggest being the upset of the host nation on Day One. After the reshuffling of the playing schedule at the last minute the Flamingos retained their group partners Mexico and the Cayman Islands, together with the addition of the Bahamas. Opening against Mexico, one of the tournament favorites and ultimate 3rd place team, the TCI side put up a valiant effort but we’re overpowered by the semi-professional Mexican team.
Beating The Hosts
Learning from the lessons of their opening match the TCI team came out hot against The Bahamas with Kadis Simmons going over for the first try after a long run down the wing. After the Bahamas clawed a try back Miguel Malcolm split the defenders and bumped his way through for a try. Shortly before halftime Franco Mompremier also muscled over for a try to give the TCI a solid halftime lead. To start the second half Simmons again broke loose setting up the supporting Hendricks Joseph for a try giving the TCI control of the game. The Bahamas were unable to mount a successful comeback as the Flamingos held firm for a 20-19 victory. Facing a Cayman side full of talent recruited from abroad the almost entirely Turks Islander team were unable to compete against Cayman, with a notable highlight being quick thinking by Bobby Moxon who barged over for a try.
Day 2
Day 2 began with a bang as Wesley Chery gave a huge handoff to clear the Belizean defensive line on his way to a try. Turks and Caicos remained in control for the remainder of the game failing to succumb to the Belize kicking game as Kadis Simmons recovered a high kick on his way to another try and debutant Dante Taylor ran the length of the field for a try. The TCI followed the comfortable sun over Belize with a tough game against Guyana against which the TCI side couldn’t overcome the South American side.
Discipline
The last game of the tournament saw the TCI take on the BVI. The TCI side found themselves on the referees whistle as yellow and red cards saw them end the match with just 5 players and a narrow 19-12 loss.
Coach Keith Burant said there was a lot to learn from, especially in the penalty count “at this level the pace of play is so fast that players have to have the fitness to not just catch their opposite number but to jump out of the way swiftly or else the referee will be penalizing you. That is something the guys will become accustomed to. We could see that when the guys came out fired up they could beat The Bahamas and comfortably handle Belize but we need to be able to string together a series of games at that level to be able to compete at the higher level.”
Brian O'Driscoll confirmed for TCIRFU Summer Ball
13 April 2022
Looks like James 'friend of the stars' Hamo has our guest speaker for the dinner lined up - none other than Brian O'Driscoll! Looks like BOD and family will be here from around 24 Jun - 3 Jul. They are staying at Seven Stars (thanks Ken) and the dinner is scheduled be on Sat 2 Jul at Shore Club. Save the date folks!
More info to follow . . . .
TCI Draw Big Guns in 2022 RAN 7s
16 March 2022
Turks and Caicos have been drawn against last years runner up Mexico, the highly rated Cayman Islands as well at St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Rugby Americas North 7S tournament in Nassau. With little over a month until the tournament the Flamingos will seek to improve on their play at the recent RAN 7S in Providenciales. TCIRFU President Keith Burant thought the group stage would provide a good challenge to the developing TCI side. “There is no doubting that this is a tough group. Mexico has recently competed on the professional circuit of the HSBC Sevens tournament and the Cayman Islands are always one of the best drilled sides in the Caribbean with over 40 years of rugby experience. We haven’t seen St Vincent for a few years so we are not sure what to expect from them. Looking at the guys who performed well when we hosted the RAN 7S here there is a great base to continue to grow against better competition. Knowing that the guys have been putting in the time in the weight room and the field they will be better prepared to take their chances against these other international sides.”
Building on Experience
Vice Captain Kadis Simmons said the recent series with Barbados will have helped some of the newer players gain experience. “A lot of the guys are still learning about how to handle these international teams and during the games they continued to improve. This experience is going to help us in Nassau and let us give these other countries a shock.”
RAN 7S
The RAN 7S takes place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau on April 23-24. 15 men’s nations will compete in a round-robin style format over the two-day event. Day one will see each team play three matches against their pool opponents, with the two top sides qualifying for the Cup quarterfinal on day two. The event serves as the qualifiers for the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa as well as The Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, England.
6Nations Round 01 - Be Still My Beating Heart
1 February 2022
The tournament that pits friend against friend, wife against husband, parent against child, workmate against workmate is nearly upon us. No, I don't mean "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" I mean the Fantasy Six Nations tournament. Will Average Bob be able to replicate his winning form of last season? Will Stitch start his march to victory earlier than the last two rounds? Have Angry Joe's chicken bone runes been taken out of storage and dusted down to predict his future selections and successes?
In a changing, turbulent world, you will be happy to know that the entry fee remains the same at US$20.00. Bitcoins, Cryptos and any other form of NFT will also be accepted**. As always, half of the funds raised will go to youth rugby development at the TCI RFU with the other half being split 70/30 between first and second places - although this may change if there is a large number of entrants.
As the Commissioner, I will have sole discretion in this. The woodenspoonist will get their entry fee returned to assuage their shame. If you would like to join please reach any member of the Executive committee through our social media channels (Entrants must live and be in TCI to join).
. . . The Commish
RAN Super 7s in Mexico City postponed until June 2022
12 January 2022
Today, Rugby Americas North, in conjunction with @rugby_mexico, announced that the 2022 RAN Super 7s next month in Mexico City has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.
Whilst this is a setback for our players, it is the sensible and correct approach in the current climate.
This means our focus goes to the Barbados visit on January 22nd, and making the most out of the coaching and game training available.
The Mexico City Tournament still remains a goal of the TCIRFU and the lads will be fundraising around the clubhouse during the Six Nations period to raise funds to support their travel costs.
The tournament is for Mens & Womens 7s sides. The TCIRFU will explore options to reignite the women's rugby program.
Barbados 7s Team Destined for Week Long Training Camp in TCI
4 January 2022
Barbados will arrive in Providenciales on January 22nd 2022 for a week long training camp with the TCI Flamingos thanks to support from Nick Lashley (AirCool). The week long schedule will included intense group sessions with the TCI players who will look to take all that they can from the experience.
For the fans there will be a few feature games towards the end of the week which will showcase all the players as they look to be selected for their National sides in the next RAN 7s tournament in Mexico City which is slated for February 12th 2022. The TCIRFU will updated the calendar on the homepage with the weeks schedule once it is confirmed.
Mudda Sic'ers Win Xmas Tag Tournament
10 December 2021
The Mudda Sic'ers (sponsored by the Atebeyra) won this years Xmas tag tournament in a closely fought contest between the Coast Architects Red Mist which finished 12-8 in favor of the Muddas.
The newest and most populated team in the league have gone from being the bottom of the league in their first tag season at the beginning of 2021, to being crowned champions!
Captain Dave Douglas said that 'even though a few teams failed to show, we deserved to finish at the top of the pile'.
Fighting talk for those who missed out in this years competition!
Michael Williams Takes Charge of Turks & Caicos Youth Rugby Program
24 November 2021
The Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU) held its AGM on Wednesday November 23rd with one of the highlights being the election of Michael Williams at the TCIRFU Youth Development Officer.
Williams, a graduate of the TCIRFU junior rugby program himself, was excited to pass on his knowledge of rugby and continue to promote the sport in the Turks and Caicos, with the assistance of fellow players, Hendricks Joseph and Wesley Chery.
Other appointments were filled through the re-election of Keith Burant as President, Simon Taylor as Director of Rugby, Andrea Butler and Lisa French as Social Secretaries, Gareth Butler as Treasurer and Nik Hight as Secretary.
The TCIRFU thanked outgoing Public Relations Office Tom Greenfield as he stepped down and Sean O’Neill took on the position. For matters on the rugby field Bobby Moxon (Top Right) was re-elected as Captain and Kadis Simmons (Bottom Right) as Vice Captain. Director of Rugby Simon Taylor said that the TCIRFU has a lot to look forward to in 2022 and to build off the success of the Rugby Americas North Sevens Tournament that took place in October 2021. The men’s seven squad would continue to build towards the upcoming RAN event in Mexico City while there was hope that fifteen a side international competition would return in 2022 after a two year hiatus.
On the women’s side Cesca Pierce was elected as Women’s officer and was eager to reignite interest in the women’s game in 2022 as well.
Captains Past And Present Run Chicago Marathon For Charity
22 October 2021
HALF of the funds raised by current Men’s International Captain Bobby Moxon and former Women’s International Captain Claire McAvinchey will go towards the Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU).
According to Moxon, the $4600 would help to reignite the youth programme.
“All the first team players who went through the youth programme now have no one behind them following up, so there is a need to fill the gap.”
Moxon and McAvinchey raised some $9,200 via a fund raiser stemming from them competing at the Chicago Marathon last month.
The other $4,600 will go towards covering the Orchard TCI for their Christmas food drive this year.
Overall Moxon called the event “great” and said that both he and Claire were honored to have been able to contribute to the initiatives.
Jamaica Crowned FIREMINDS RAN 7’S Champions As Rugby Emerges Victorious In The First International Event Post Pandemic
17 October 2021 - AUTHOR CONOR MCGOWAN, CCO, FIREMINDS
Rugby is all about people – the special bond between players, coaches, spectators and most importantly the rugby community. As we emerge from the pandemic, events like the Fireminds RAN 7s remind us of how important community gatherings are and how exciting it is to reconnect with our international counterparts and friends.
We would like to thank Rugby Americas North and the Turks and Caicos RFU for their passion, dedication, expertise, and innovation in organizing this terrific rugby spectacle; they share our vision in connecting this region and growing the sport. At Fireminds, we value long term relationships with our customers and partners, offering support and service throughout their technological evolution. Together we will share our passion for rugby, our values and engage with new rugby enthusiasts in this region.
We would like to congratulate Jamaica on playing some tantalizing rugby in a dominant display going unbeaten over the two days to become Fireminds RAN7s champions. For all the teams competing in the tournament, there was an emphasis on youth playing exciting fast rugby mixed in with some seasoned older heads using every trick in the book to find an advantage for their team. There were some truly epic duels, Bermuda vs Barbados was a titanic battle. Guyana (The green machine) scored some outrageous long range tries and Jamaica and Mexico’s class and guile was matched by the emerging talent in Curacao and Belize that showed that they deserve their place at the table. BVI showed immense grit and the hosts Turks & Caicos gave the buoyant home crowd a lot to cheer on!
Rugby as ever, captivates audiences across our region. The appeal of the game, coupled with the community spirit that only exists in our region is the reason Fireminds decided to partner with Rugby Americas North on this flagship competition, celebration of the sport and the reemergence of the game post the pandemic restrictions. As 2021 draws to a close, we hope the pandemic truly subsides in our region and events like this weekend can happen at full capacity with no restrictions and that we can see the women’s and youth teams rejoin the circuit.
Thank you to everyone associated with the Fireminds RAN7s and congratulations to the champions Jamaica, runners up Mexico, third place Barbados and Shield champions Curacao. Fireminds is already in talks with the home nations and Rugby Americas North on upcoming and future events as this amazing sport flourishes in our region!
