Jamaica’s Fraser to lead West Indies men’s team at Tropical 7s rugby tournament

TAMPA, Florida (CMC):

WEST INDIES Rugby has officially unveiled its men’s and women’s squads for the upcoming Tropical 7s Rugby tournament, set to take place in Tampa, Florida, on April 18-19.

This marks a historic moment as West Indies Rugby enters both a senior elite men’s and women’s team for the first time in the tournament’s history.

The men’s team will be captained by Jamaica’s Ronaldeni Fraser, a dynamic playmaker set to lead a squad featuring top talent from across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

The roster includes Barbados’ Daniel Ramsay, Bermuda’s Hadleigh Tucker, Jahniko Francis, Guyana’s Godfrey Broomes, Lionel Holder, Owen Adonis, Jamaica’s Matteo Cherwayko, Ronaldeni Fraser (Captain), Trinidad & Tobago’s Jerrell Vincent, Shaydon Delaney, Guyana’s Tyrese Prescod and Vallon Adams based in the United States, along with reserve player Kyan Cherwayko.

The women’s squad, captained by Veronica Blair, boasts a mix of experienced leaders and rising stars, including, Bermuda’s Corrie Cross, Najee Pitt-Clarke, Guyana’s Carrin Carter, Jamaica’s Aniya Smith, Mercedes Coles, Morgan Brown, Naomi Dodd, St Lucia’s Mary Roberts, Shammah Philgencet, Renetta Reynold, Trinidad & Tobago’s Leah Kintiba (vice-captain) and reserve player Nathalia Cadiz from T&T.

The teams will be guided by a coaching staff, including Wayne Pantor (TT/SVG), Jerome Poon Tip (TT), and Assistant Coach Chantel John (SLU).

A West Indies Rugby spokesperson expressed excitement about the tournament.

“This is a huge moment for us. It’s an opportunity to show the world the depth of talent that exists across the Caribbean. Our players have worked incredibly hard, and we’re excited to see how they perform on this platform.”

The Tropical 7s will feature elite youth and senior teams from around the world, with West Indies Rugby facing tough competition in the Senior Men’s Elite division alongside Crewmen Rugby, Boston Rugby Select, Black Goats, Great Danes Select, Pirates 7s out of Canada, and Saratoga Jockeys.

The Windies women are expected to face off against H.E.B. Lady Hurricanes, Phoenix Rugby 7s, Macdowell Rugby out of Canada, NAV 7s, Magandaquins Rugby, Chicago Lions, and Atlantis.