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Two youth rugby teams will fly out to represent Bermuda in a head-to-head clash with their Cayman counterparts in what is hoped will become an annual fixture.

Following on from the national team's World Cup qualifying matches being played in the Cayman Islands this week, the Bermuda Rugby Football Union (BRFU) is sending an under-10 team and an under-12 team to play in the Bermuda versus Cayman Youth Challenge Cup.

And talks are under way between the BRFU and its Cayman equivalent to establish an annual Youth Challenge Cup, with the venue alternating between the two islands each year.

According to BRFU Chairman, Dave Worsfold, "Things are shaping up very nicely for this year's competition, and we hope to develop this to provide Bermuda's youth an opportunity to play international competition every year."

Worsfold explained that the BRFU's youth programme has been drawing well over 200 players every Sunday morning during rugby season.

"Youth rugby in Bermuda is really taking off, and we think that this sort of fixture will maintain that momentum and even increase interest and participation in the game locally."

Worsfold's sentiments are reinforced by Richard Adams, the technical director for rugby in the Cayman Islands.

"Our players are very excited about this fixture. We are sure that it will be a great event this year, and we are confident that it has the potential to become an important fixture on the sporting calendars for both islands".

While the rugby officials are busy coordinating logistics, Bermuda's players have been working hard to prepare for the event. According to Andy Price, head coach for the Bermuda under-12 side, "Both the under-10 and under-12 players have shown tremendous commitment and have been working extremely hard, training at least twice a week in the lead up to this tour. I am very impressed with the progress that they have made and pleased with what this all indicates for Bermuda's long-term rugby prospects."

That commitment has turned into anticipation for the players.

In the words of 10 year old Brian Egan, "I am thrilled to be going. I have worked really hard this year, and I can't wait to play."

The players will be fund raising with a trash-a-thon this weekend, and companies such as PwC, ACE, Jupiter Asset Management, Mayflower Management, Arch Re and Quo Vadis have all agreed to help. "Without their help, we wouldn't be able to do this" Price said.[[In-content Ad]]

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