Regional clubs, Universidad Catolica Andres Bello (Venezuela), Hornets RFC (Guyana, men and women), St Lucia/St Vincent combination and Aesculapians RFC (UK) are among the 12 clubs which have confirmed participation in the inaugural annual Carib Beer Tobago International Rugby Sevens Tournament. The two-day event which is being hosted by the Tobago Rugby Football Club will be contested on the weekend of December 10-11 at Bon Accord Recreation Ground, Bon Accord, Tobago.
Apart from the 12 clubs, four women’s teams have also confirmed attendance. The event takes over from the annual Carib International Rugby Sevens Tournament hosted by the Trinidad Enthusiasts Rugby Football Club, which has been unable to put together the tournament in recent times. Local clubs, Caribs (men and women), Stag Trinidad Northern, Defence Force, Police (men and women), the University of T&T (UTT), Royalians, Trinidad Enthusiasts and Tobago RFC (men’s and women) will participate.
According to tournament organiser Brian Stollmeyer, who spoke at yesterday’s launch of the event held at the hospitality lounge in Carib Brewery Limited, Champs Fleurs, several other foreign clubs will make a decision whether to attend within the next few days. Making the trip to officiate matches are highly travelled and experienced referees in Hugh Banfield and Huw David, both from Wales and Brian Zapp from the USA.
The three referees have a tremendous track record in sevens professional matches across the globe, as well as international fixtures. Along with Stollmeyer, Director of Sport in the THA Anthony Price, T&T Rugby Football Treasurer and Chairman of Selectors, Curtis Nero, Carib Brewery Sponsorship and Events Manager Colin Murray and Tobago RFC Vice-president Randall Rostant, were all present at the launch to offer best wishes to the participating teams.
Price, speaking on behalf of Assistant Secretary with the special responsibility for Youth Affairs and Sport for the THA, Huey Cadette, said: “We are pleased to be part of this event as it highlights the recent success of the Tobago Rugby Club, which won the Senior Division of the Rugby Union 2011 Championship.” He went on to say: “On behalf of the THA, I would like to pledge our continued commitment to support initiatives such as there.” Price then thanked Carib for its continued support for sport in T&T.
Tobago RFC’s Rostant hinted that if the tournament becomes a success on an annual basis, the event will be added to the Tobago House of Assembly’s official calendar of events, which would ultimately boost Tobago’s tourism industry and improve the standard of the event. Trophies will be provided for the men’s and women’s championship finalists and winning teams. The team awarded for “Best Camaraderie” will receive the Larry Mouttet memorial trophy, while the most promising players will take the Jamie Waters memorial trophy.
As announced by Stollmeyer, the event is free to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. On Monday, there will be a day-long beach party at Sandy Point to conclude proceedings.
