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.

Team USVI has withdrawn from the third-place match at the King of the Courts tournament following a disputed officiating decision in their semi-final against Team Tola, in which a final-seconds shot was ruled a 3-pointer instead of a 4-pointer.

The decision stems from a play with three seconds remaining in regulation. The shot was initially scored as three points by officials. However, after the match, video footage showed the shooter’s feet were behind the 4-point line.

“There was a controversial call involving a shot initially ruled a 3-pointer on the court,” tournament organisers stated. “After the game, video footage surfaced showing that the shot was, in fact, a 4-pointer.”

Despite the post-game evidence, the tournament’s existing rules do not permit video review or reversal of calls. “Unfortunately, King of the Courts does not utilise video review for officiating decisions, and the tournament director does not intervene in referee rulings made during the game,” the statement said.

“Under the current rules, the decision made on the court stands and cannot be changed post-game,” organisers confirmed.

Referees involved in the game have issued apologies to Team USVI. “Our referees have performed commendably throughout the tournament and have personally expressed their apologies to Team USVI for what transpired.”

In the same statement, King of the Courts referenced the challenges faced in basketball officiating. “Even in leagues like the NBA, where video review is available, controversial calls still occur.”

Organisers also stated they will review procedures going forward. “We will explore potential solutions to better address situations like this and ensure continued fairness and transparency in the competition.”

As a result of Team USVI’s withdrawal, St. Kitts — which finished third in its group — will play in the third-place match.

The Virgin Islands took a step closer to the 2026 Commonwealth Games today as local artist Desiree Smith officially handed over the King’s Baton to Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley during a courtesy call at the Premier’s Office.

The handcrafted baton, made from sustainable ash wood and etched with symbols reflecting the Virgin Islands’ culture, environment, and sporting legacy, was commissioned as part of the lead-up to the Queen’s Baton Relay for the Glasgow 2026 Games.

Ephraim Penn, President of Commonwealth Sport British Virgin Islands, joined the Premier and Smith for the brief ceremony, marking the moment as a key milestone in the territory’s participation in the upcoming international event.

The baton now stands as a symbol of the Virgin Islands’ readiness and spirit as the community prepares to take part in the historic relay tradition shared by all Commonwealth nations.