The Virgin Islands found Trinidad and Tobago too strong opponents at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament in Mexico on November 25, 2017. Photo: RugbyAmericasNorth

The Virgin Islands ended their day's work at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament in Mexico with a win against Curacao on November 25, 2017. Photo: RugbyAmericasNorth

Ten men’s teams and sevens women’s teams from the RAN region will square off for the title of champion and the right to advance to several tournaments in the coming year.

The VI squad features Thomas Chapman, Andrae Adams, Victor Amparo, Mahmoud Ahmad, Kendi Vamterpool, Rory Thornton, Daniel Singh, Colin McDonald, Timothy Parsons, Paul Oliver, Adrian Bello O’Niel and Khoy Vanterpool.

The tournament kicked off yesterday, November 25, 2017 and the VI boys came up against powerhouses Trinidad and Tobago and then Mexico, losing 0-38 and 0-66 respectively, before rebounding to beat Curacao 31-7.

After the opening day's play the Virgin Islands are 3rd in Group C, with Mexico on top followed by Trinidad and Tobago while Curacao sit at the bottom in 4th place.

Window of qualifications

The top men’s team will claim a spot in Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco, as well as the annual Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens tournament, a part of the World Rugby Sevens Series. The 2018 Commonwealth Games also has a slot open for the top men’s team if the winner is a Commonwealth Country. Additionally, the top four men’s teams will go to Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO) Games.

On the women’s side, the top three teams will head to the CACSO Games, and RAN Sevens Champion will earn a place in Rugby World Cup Sevens July 20-22. Only unions that are members of World Rugby are eligible for Rugby World Cup Sevens and the 2018-19 World Rugby Sevens Series.

Meanwhile, the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament is being played at Campo Marte, a military and equestrian venue located next to the National Auditorium in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City. Campo Marte hosts major events on behalf of the Mexican Government. The spacious grounds house two fields of play, two warm-up areas, medical and team facilities, and covered spectator seating.