Rugby's Junior programmes preparefor a busy season
Rugby's National Under Eighteen Team departsfor the Bahamas on October 18th for the U-18 West Indies RugbyUnion Caribbean Championships where they will compete againstteams from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas and St Lucia.
A strong preparation tour in Ontario, Canadathis past July combined with new members from John Gray High Schoolprogram have left the U-18 squad hopeful of its chances to winthe tournament.
The newly formed regional body for the WestIndies and North American Rugby Unions, the North American WestIndies Rugby Association (NAWIRA), is to host its inaugural FestivalOf Youth Tournament at Cocoa Expo Sports Center, this coming Februaryin Cocoa Beach.
The Cayman Rugby Youth program is eagerto show off its junior development programs and is planning toenter National teams in the following categories: Under-Eight,Under-Ten, Under-Twelve, Under-Fourteen, Under-Sixteen and Under-Eighteen.
A full International Test Match is plannedbetween the Cayman Islands and Canada U-18 as a highlight to thetournament.
Preparation for the Festival begins on September28th when the Union commences all of its junior programs for the2002/2003 season.
Interest from overseas teams in the USAand Canada is already rising for the Easter Cayman Junior Tournament,which will be taking place next April. The tournament, now inits third year, has attracted teams including the Ontario UnderEighteen team from Canada, and Jesuit and Gonzaga high schoolsteams, both seeded in the top eight of US school teams.
It is hoped that Cayman's participationin the upcoming NAWIRA tournament in Florida will be able to attractteams at all age levels to the Easter Cayman Junior Tournament.
With the Quincentennial Celebrations thatare planned for the Cayman Islands in 2003, Director of RugbyRichard Adams is extending invitations to both Canada and theUSA National U16 teams to participate in the Easter games. Matchesagainst the newly planned Academy would be the highlight of thetournament.