The Cayman U19 National Rugby Team successfully defended their NACRA (North American Caribbean Rugby Association) Region title in Mexico City last week (Saturday, 14 July), taking home the trophy for the second year in a row.

This also marks the fourth time in five years that the Cayman Rugby Football Union (CRFU) has won the title.

The win came after three qualifying games that were played in May and June this year: Cayman beat Mexico 11 – 6; lost to Bermuda 7 -3, but recovered to beat Barbados 60 – 0. They then went on to beat Trinidad & Tobago in the regional final with 20 – 10.

Cayman also had three players named ‘Man of the Match’ during the qualifiers: Dan Hall, Tom Mann and Alex Pineau. Morgan Hayward was awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player on a unanimous decision by the International Rugby Board officials and team coaches and managers.

“Congratulations to all involved in this achievement. Our young players’ continued success – both as a team and individual players – speaks volumes about CRFU’s investment in and commitment to the development of rugby in the Cayman Islands,” said the Hon. Minister of Sport Mark Scotland.

CRFU President Derek Haines added his praise as well, stating, “The CRFU, coaches and management are very proud of all the players and wish all graduating players future success in rugby. This was an outstanding tournament that continues to show the success of the Cayman Islands rugby programme.”

Photo: Submitted: A triumphant Cayman U19 team with their coaches Noel Phillips (front row, extreme right) and Gary Southway (back row, 2^nd from right), team manager Graeme Thompson (back row, 2^nd from left) and Cayman Islands Rugby Football Union President Derek Haines, after defeating Trinidad 20 to 10.