The Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) deployed 65 players across three tournaments in different territories this past weekend, finishing with two championship trophies, essential match fitness, and a clearer view to selection for regional engagements next month.
The SLRFU Women’s Select side headlined the inaugural MADA Sevens in Martinique, where they defeated Guadeloupe in the final. Facing an opponent with strong French rugby ties, deep technical pedigree, and seasoned regional experience, the Saint Lucian women delivered a clinical 24-14 win.
To the south, in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Rogues RFC won the SVG Independence Sevens. Featuring two guest players from Guyana, Rogues conceded just five points across three games, winning 21-0 over SVG Police, and beating Leewards Rugby 40-0 and 17-5.
Back at the MADA Sevens, the Saint Lucia Rugby Youth Academy battled their way to a credible fifth-place finish against hardened regional competition.
Down in Trinidad & Tobago, at the Royalians Sevens, two young Academy prospects, Randall Polius and Annela Phillip, were thrown directly into the regional fire to sharpen their competitive teeth.
With the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Regional Qualifiers looming this November, these were positive results for the national teams. SLRFU technical director Wayne Pantor commended the players for their performances and commitment.
“Competition at a higher tier is essential to developing a winning mindset, establishing standards for high team performance and improving overall output,” he stated. “These regional tournaments provide our players with the opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition while allowing our coaches to properly assess team performance outside of local competitions.
“This exposure is critical as we continue to build competitive teams, strengthen our development pathways, and prepare our players for the Rugby Americas North Regional Qualifiers in November.”
