Rugby
Rugby has a long history in Barbados and despite being one of World Rugby’s smallest full members, this is one sport that continues to grow in popularity, both on and off the field.
The governing body for Rugby on the island, the Barbados Rugby Football Union (BRFU), was formed in 1964 and is responsible for organising local and national team fixtures, training sessions, domestic Rugby activities, and international tours.
Visitors to Barbados can enjoy free weekly Rugby matches during the domestic season, as well as other annual regional Championship matches hosted at the ‘home of Rugby’ – the historic Garrison Savannah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key tourist attraction on the island.
Rugby tours to Barbados are also a favourite pastime and each year bring an average of between eight to ten overseas teams to our shores for what we like to call the perfect mix of fierce sporting competition, fun socialising, and traditional Bajan charm!
In fact, Rugby in Barbados has become so popular, that the longest running Club Rugby 7s Tournament in the Caribbean region is now played here, after being relocated from Trinidad in 2016. The annual Rugby Barbados World 7s currently attracts over 30 teams from far and wide includingSouth Africa, Argentina, Scotland, England, Wales, Canada and the USA, as well as regional teams from Venezuela, French Guyana, Guadeloupe, St Lucia, Trinidad and the home side, Barbados!
This year, the Tournament has attracted a prestigious Title Partner in Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating and the prize money has significantly increased to an impressive US $30 000! Not only that, but the 2018 Mitsubishi Electric Rugby Barbados World 7s (MERBW7s) Tournament will now be held at the iconic Kensington Oval; another ‘must see’ attraction for any discerning tourist and sporting enthusiast.
From 8th to 9th December, both tourists and locals alike can expect two action-packed days of world-class Rugby Sevens, with some of the best men’s and women’s club teams from across the globe competing for the winning title, sterling silver trophies by Hamilton & Inches, and of course the prize money. For teams, the Tournament is a chance to participate in an international-standard competition in a premier tourist destination, where there is an abundance of unique things to see and do once the Rugby is over.
Spectators will also enjoy watching the high standard of Rugby being played at a world-class stadium, with the event set to rival the likes of the Hong Kong Sevens and Dubai Sevens, especially in the Women’s Division – with the added bonus of being hosted on an island paradise!
Be part of the action!
There is a variety of affordable ticketing packages for fans to choose from to soak up the Rugby Sevens and the sun at the Tournament, and to really enjoy all that Barbados has to offer.
Businesses and individuals are also invited to partner with MERBW7s and take advantage of the extensive local and international coverage that the Tournament receives. There is a range of exciting partnership options – from one-off donations to full packages.
Teams can register for 2018 by visiting www.rugbybarbadosworld7s.com/team-registration-form/.
In 2019, RBW7s will again be staged at the Kensington Oval from December 7th to 8th – stay tuned!
But wait … there’s more!
The lead up to the highly-anticipated 2018 event is set to be an action-packed few months for Rugby in Barbados, with the September 2018 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Regional 7s Championships at the Barbados Polo Club in Holder’s Hill in St. James, as well as the second annual Rugby Barbados World 7s Charity Dinner and Auction at the Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados on 7th December – proudly supported by the Royal Shop and the Rotary Club of Barbados South.
There are also a host of additional Tournament-related activities for both fans and players to enjoy, either side of the Tournament.
For more information, visit www.rugbybarbadosworld7s.com .
Don’t miss out!
Barbados Rugby Football Union
President - Martin Varga
Secretary - Kathryn Daniel
Tel 246-434-0843
Cel 246-696-1496
Email: barbadosrugby@olympic.org.bb
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BarbadosRugbyFootballUnion/
