Jokers and Blue Ice capped off a full day of rugby on August 1, winning the men’s and women’s titles at the fifth annual International Carnival Sevens – Rugby In Paradise. Close to 100 players from seven countries and territories played 22 games over eight hours at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, one of the most scenic locations for the sport.
The men’s championship final lived up to expectations as the Canadian Pirates and Martinique Jokers battled in a closely fought contest. Jokers emerged as the 2026 champions, defeating the Quebecois team 21-19 in a dramatic finale.
The men’s tournament MVP was given to Fabien Da Silva for the most points scored and the dynamic chemistry he brought to the Jokers team.
In the women’s final, Blue Ice won a best-of-three series against Blue Flames, taking the deciding game 15-7. Blue Ice won the first match 15-5, while Blue Flames took the second 22-12 to tie the series.
Photo Credit: SLRFU
Both women’s teams featured talented players from Saint Lucia, Grenada, Guyana, and St Vincent & the Grenadines, highlighting the regional collaboration that strengthens women’s rugby. Standout Guyana youth player Jelena Shepherd was named the Most Valuable Player after finishing the tournament as the leading try scorer.
In the men’s championship, Guyana Police Falcons secured third place with a 29-0 victory over Martinique’s MADA.In the Plate Final, two Saint Lucian teams faced off, with Rogues edging out Saint Lucia Select 5-0 in a hard-fought match.
SLRFU technical director Wayne Pantor said the tournament marked a historic moment for local rugby, as 45 Saint Lucian youth players participated in a regional rugby tournament – the highest number from the island at a single event.
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