The Guyana Police men’s rugby team triumphed over Trinidad & Tobago’s Poui 24-19 to secure the elite division title at the SLRFU Caribcation Carnival Sevens Rugby Tournament in the final at the Gros Islet Playing Field on Saturday.
In the women’s division, Misfits continued their dominance, capturing their fourth consecutive championship with a commanding 43-5 victory over Saint Lucia’s Blue Ice. Meanwhile, the host nation celebrated as Saint Lucia’s Under-20 men claimed the junior crown, defeating Trinidad & Tobago School Select 21-7 in the finals.
The fourth edition of the annual tournament proved to be its biggest yet, featuring 27 matches across two days. The event drew 210 players from 14 teams, supported by nearly 30 coaches and staff, 45 officials and volunteers, and 500 in-person spectators, while over 5,000 viewers tuned in via YouTube.
The Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union was effusive in its praise for the expanded series.
“The overall tournament could be deemed a massive success as all feedback from players, officials, and spectators was positive, with teams committed to return next year for the 2026 edition,” said tournament director Wayne Pantor.
“The objectives of the tournament were achieved, as it served as a platform for the SLRFU to develop players and officials at an elite level, surpassing local competition. And at the same time, invest in a sports tourism project, which would in turn provide sustainable income to fund other national programmes.
“This tournament has also become a development platform for regional officials and coaches to be certified and graded for regional and international competitions in their respective rugby unions.”
In the plate final, St Vincent & the Grenadines defeated Saint Lucia’s Rogues, and in the third-place playoff for men, Martinique’s Jokers overpowered Saint Lucia Select 38-7.
The competition featured teams from Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica, Barbados, the US, Canada and the UK.
Saint Lucia’s senior men will play a test match against St Vincent & the Grenadines at Gros Islet on Friday from 7 p.m. The men’s and women’s teams are also preparing for the Rugby Americas North Sevens Qualifiers in November 2025, to be hosted by Trinidad & Tobago.
The U20 men, meanwhile, will continue training under the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee and SLRFU Pan Am Youth Sports programme. Their next venture will be regional competitions in Martinique and Trinidad & Tobago.
