Bermuda teams have been named for the 2025 Rugby Americas North Sevens, set for Trinidad & Tobago next week.

With this year marking the second year of RAN’s two-tier men’s competition, an initiative designed to help developing nations such as Bermuda, the island’s men and women’s teams will be part of the fast-paced action at Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima from Friday to Sunday.

Gemma Godfrey, the Bermuda Rugby Football Union president, described the selection of both squads as a proud moment for the game on the island, as it is a reflection of the ongoing commitment to continue rebuilding its international presence.

“To see both squads travelling to Trinidad is a testament to the work happening behind the scenes, from our coaches and support staff to the players who’ve committed months of training,” Godfrey said.

“It’s another step in strengthening Bermuda’s footprint in regional rugby.”

Lucas Nyamoto, whose men’s side are sponsored by Paradise Mobile, has handed Hadleigh Tucker and Alex Brown the responsibility of leading the team.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, Nyamoto indicated that the players were focused on the task in Trinidad.

“The squad has been training consistently and with great commitment in the build-up to RAN,” he said.

“Team spirit is high, our focus remains on taking one game at a time as we work towards our goal of finishing in the top four and earning qualification for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Dominican Republic next year.”

Last year, Bermuda overcame a jittery start to finish fifth at RAN Sevens, after they clinched the Plate final with a 10-5 triumph over Cayman Islands.

“We’ve worked hard on our conditioning, refined our systems of play and focused on addressing key areas from last season,” Nyamoto added.

“While we haven’t yet had the opportunity to test our full structure against a complete opponent, the boys are eager to take the field and compete with intensity.”

For the women’s team, who have Ark Bermuda as the main sponsor, this year’s event marks a triumphant return to the regional stage after a two-year absence.

According to the BRFU, the comeback of the women’s team has been driven by a renewed sense of purpose and the tireless work of veteran player Gillian Cross, the union women representative, who has been instrumental in rebuilding support for the women’s game from the ground up.

Andy Crichton is back as the women’s coach years after guiding the team to a podium finish.

“I’m very excited to be again coaching the Bermuda women’s sevens team for RAN 2025 in Trinidad,” Crichton said.

“We’ve selected a squad of really talented athletes who bring a mix of youth and experience, with a significant number playing a high level of rugby overseas.

“Our preparation has focused on skill set, mindset and structure. We’ve worked hard throughout the summer to ensure we peak for the tournament.

The women’s side will be captained by Corrie Cross, one of the five overseas-based players in the side, with Apryl Jackson named as vice-captain.

“We’re really excited for RAN 2025, the team has been working hard over the last few months,” Cross said.

“We are looking to display our style of rugby and improve from previous standings in the tournament.”