The Bermuda Rugby Football Union have taken a squad of 35 high school players to Washington to play in four matches this weekend.

In a first for this age group, Bermuda have taken two teams to the United States capital to play against the DC Youth Rugby and Maryland Exiles, with the first two matches taking place today and the final two games being held on Sunday on the National Mall in the shadow of the Washington Monument.

“I’m delighted that rugby in this age group has grown to a level where 35 under-18s have the chance to represent their country abroad,” Sean Field-Lament, the BRFU president, said.

“It’s a testament to the superb work that is taking place within the youth rugby programme and what Beyond Rugby have done to help grow the game on island.”

The BRFU is using the tour as an opportunity to develop players for next year’s Caribbean Under-19 Championships. Bermuda finished fourth in 2017, their best finish since USA South and Mexico entered the tournament. However, head coach Dan Roberts has higher ambitions.

“Winning the Under-19 Championships by 2020 is our goal and if the current squad continues to show the same commitment and work rate that they have shown this season, then this goal will quickly become reality,” Roberts said.

Patrick Calow, the BRFU youth development officer, added: “These tours are incredibly important as they provide an opportunity for our players to test themselves against the best teams in other countries.

“We’re really excited to see how this large group gets on. This wouldn’t be feasible without the incredible support of our sponsors, Aspen and MS Amlin.”