The Caribbean island community of Caye Caulker is experiencing a sporting transformation as rugby sevens gains unprecedented momentum through the efforts of the Caye Caulker Crocodiles Rugby Club. What began as an experimental athletic program has evolved into a comprehensive youth development initiative attracting participants from early childhood through adulthood.
Under the guidance of Coach Tony Gillings, a rugby pioneer who introduced the sport to Belize in 2014, the Crocodiles have established a rigorous training regimen that emphasizes both physical conditioning and character development. Practices typically commence in late afternoon with structured warm-ups, running drills, and intensive physical conditioning before progressing to technical skill development including tackling techniques and line-out strategies.
The club’s impact extends beyond athletic training, serving as a powerful vehicle for social change. Twenty-one-year-old team captain Tyler Richards exemplifies this transformation, having progressed from coaching younger participants to leading the under-21 squad. “Rugby’s physical intensity distinguishes it from other sports,” Richards notes. “It demands peak physical and mental conditioning while fostering unparalleled camaraderie among players.”
The Crocodiles specialize in Rugby Sevens, a condensed format featuring seven-minute halves that emphasizes speed, strategy, and continuous action. This variant has gained international recognition through inclusion in the Commonwealth Games and Olympic programming. The team is currently preparing for the Tropical Sevens tournament in Florida, though administrative challenges with the Belize Rugby Football Union have occasionally limited their competitive opportunities.
Beyond athletic development, the program instills core values of discipline, respect, and accountability. A distinctive feature of rugby culture requires that only team captains may address game officials, reinforcing hierarchical respect and emotional control. Gillings has leveraged these principles to work with at-risk youth, including former gang members in Belize City who have transformed into standout players through the program’s structured environment.
The club’s growth reflects broader sporting trends in Belize, with participation expanding across six communities including Hopkins, Belize City, and Orange Walk. The national team debuted internationally against Guatemala in 2018, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s development. With increasing tourist participation during practices and growing local engagement, rugby is positioned to potentially rival traditional Belizean sports like baseball and volleyball within the coming decade.