The British Virgin Islands’ Under-19 national rugby team departed the territory today, May 30, bound for the Dominican Republic, where they will take part in the 2025 Caribbean Cup & Plate—an international rugby sevens and 10-a-side tournament scheduled from May 30 to June 2. Hosted in Santo Domingo, the event brings together top youth talent from the BVI, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic for a weekend of competitive play, skill-building, and cultural exchange.

National coach James Morris, who is leading the contingent, described the trip as a “critical step in growing the sport” and credited local support for making it possible. “This opportunity was made possible thanks to the passionate support of our community,” Morris said. “It’s the start of a bigger movement to elevate BVI rugby and nurture young talent from the grassroots to the international stage.”

The tournament itinerary begins with a light training and integration session Friday evening, including touch-and-pass drills with mixed teams to build camaraderie among players from the three nations. Saturday will see a full schedule of sevens group matches and finals, followed by 10-a-side fixtures in the afternoon. On Sunday, the focus shifts to coaching clinics, player development, and cultural sightseeing, capped off with a closing celebration hosted by the Dominican Republic’s rugby federation. The team returns home on Monday, June 2.

The BVI squad includes 20 young athletes who have trained extensively over recent months: Saad Kosmass, Ahmad Tarabein, Tyrique Isaacs McMillan, Thomas Blyden Aldridge, Alex Wells, Jaden Ethan Maduro, Kenley Ricquel Williams, Te Kory Maxima Penn, Cooper Brian Jackson, J’Sean K’Moy Barnes, Brian Augustas Roberts Primus, B’Jhoni Augustino Roberts, Robert Charles McKenzie, Genevan Mario Vanterpool, Wil Fujitaka Seddon, Logan River Augustine Titley, Blake Kirk, Brandonn Brad Fahie, Havonte Jadez Baptiste Riviera, and Ancel Barack Wells. Accompanying the players is a support staff of eight, including Morris, Javon Carty, Brendon Carey, Victor Amparo Peña, Calum McKenzie, Mark Jones, Ioan Jones and Gordon Jackson.

Fundraising efforts from the local community—including a wine-tasting event at Myett’s in Cane Garden Bay—helped finance the team’s travel and accommodations. The BVI Rugby Football Union expressed deep appreciation to all who contributed, noting that this tour marks the beginning of a broader strategy to develop rugby across the territory.

“These young men have shown remarkable dedication and heart,” Morris added. “Now they have the chance to take the field, gain valuable international experience, and come back stronger—not just as players, but as ambassadors for the sport in the Virgin Islands.”

The BVI team is expected to return home Monday afternoon following what promises to be a transformative weekend on and off the pitch.