Bermuda have announced a 36-strong training squad for an eight-weeklong preseason ahead of the Women’s Rugby Americas North Championships in July.

The preseason programme, which will run at the Arboretum and Berkeley Institute, will help the coaches decide the final squad for both the sevens and tens teams.

They will be chosen before Bermuda begin their title efforts in the Cayman Islands and Barbados.

“This is an important time in terms of preparation for our opening game and also the development of future stars,” said Jamie Barnwell, Bermuda’s head coach.

“We are under no illusions around the challenge of playing such good opposition. However, we remain committed to the development of everyone in our entire women’s programme.

“Having a squad of 36 players is unprecedented in Bermuda woman’s rugby and these ladies continue to break glass ceilings and write their own story.

“Our goal is to try and break into the top five nations and to do that we will be picking our strongest squad of players available, so it’s essential that individuals perform at the top of their game in this preseason camp.”