Bermuda name squad for Mexico clash

The Bermuda national rugby team, ranked #52 in the world,  travel to Mexico City Thursday to play an internationally-sanctioned match against Mexico.

The Bermuda Rugby Union is building towards the northern Caribbean Championship games against USA South on May 10 in Atlanta, and arch-rivals Caymans on June 7 at the National Sports Centre, which acts as a curtain-raiser to “The Big Game” hosted by touring Premiership side Saracens.

The match against Mexico on Saturday will feature several new players in the squad and provides national team coach Roedolf van der Westhuizen an opportunity to experiment with different line-ups.

Van der Westhuizen said: “We are keen to develop the squad and build momentum up to our two crucial Caribbean Championship games. Mexico will be a difficult test but our team will be up for it.”

Team manager Mike Williams stressed the extra challenges of playing at altitude, high humidity and temperature.

He said: “Mexico City is over 2,200 meters above sea level and the high altitude will sorely test our national team players’ fitness. Mexico have world ranking ambitions and have made it clear they want our scalp.”

BRFU President Sean Field-Lament added: “The players are indeed fortunate to have this opportunity.

“Mexico is a growing regional rugby power and it is a rare privilege to play for your country.”

Although currently ranked 74 in the world, Mexico boasts a player base of over 2,500 with 21 full-time clubs.

The game’s popularity is growing exponentially in the country where 25 of the 26 states are administrating vibrant youth programmes.  With the population of over 120 million, the potential is enormous.

Field-Lament said: “The BRFU is looking to develop our relationship with the Mexican Rugby Federation and in particular engage in youth rugby development with them.

“We will be inviting them to participate in our Mid Atlantic Youth Rugby tournament, which will be an annual event held in June. This friendly international match is the first step in solidifying our relationship.” 

Bermuda squad: Paul Dobinson, Mike Williams, Dustin Archibald, Jahan Cedenio, Tashon Desilva, Paul Canfield, Conor McGlynn, Peter Dunkerley, David Porter, Tommy Edwards, Neville Zuill, Phil Hall, Rich Cumbers, Corey Boyce, Dan Cole, Bongani Ndlovu, Edward Barnes, Bennet Gibson,Tom Moroney, Richard Boyd, Patrick Graham, Guerhardt Lamprecht.