Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Joseph, Greaves advance to next round of the Keirin at CAC Games

    Joseph, Greaves advance to next round of the Keirin at CAC Games

    On Thursday, at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games hosted in the Dominican Republic, two Barbadian track cyclists, Amber Joseph and Arielle Greaves, earned their spots in the second round of the women’s Keirin event through two distinct qualification pathways. Joseph claimed an automatic spot in the next stage after crossing the line in second place during Heat Two of the opening round. Greaves, by contrast, faced an uphill battle after finishing sixth in Heat Three, pushing her into the repechage round for a second chance at qualification. Competing in the first repechage heat, Greaves held on to take third place, locking in her berth in the second round and extending Barbados’ presence in the cycling competition.

    Beyond the velodrome, Team Barbados notched another solid win in women’s field hockey, where the national side shut out Jamaica 3-0. All three of the team’s goals came from different scorers: D’jamila Edwards, Anaya Alleyne-Jermaine, and Jada Prescod each found the back of the net to secure the comfortable victory.

    In the pool, Barbadian swimmers turned in a string of consistent performances across multiple events, with several athletes marking personal best times over the two-day competition. On Thursday, Kaija Eastmond competed in two back-to-back events: she placed eighth in Heat Four of the women’s 50m backstroke with a time of 32.07 seconds, then returned shortly after to take seventh place in Heat Two of the women’s 100m butterfly, clocking a 1:09.60. Following Eastmond’s races, Jake Chee-A-Tow hit the pool for the men’s 100m butterfly, finishing seventh in Heat Four with a time of 57.99 seconds.

    The strong swimming performances for Barbados began a day earlier, during Wednesday evening’s competition session, where three athletes turned out personal best times to cap off a solid outing. In the women’s 100m freestyle B final, Danielle Treasure clocked a new personal best of 58.07 seconds to finish fifth. In the A final of the same event, Heidi Stoute also set a new personal record, finishing eighth with a 56.53 second swim. Amani Miller followed suit in the men’s 100m freestyle B final, touching the wall in 53.13 seconds for tenth place, a new personal best for the young swimmer. Chee-A-Tow also notched a top-10 finish on Wednesday, taking 10th place in the 200m butterfly final with a time of 2:09.57.

  • Concacaf rejects FIFA commercial proposal

    Concacaf rejects FIFA commercial proposal

    A growing rift has emerged within global soccer’s governing structure over a controversial $20 billion commercial initiative, with the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) becoming the second major confederation to issue a formal rejection of FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise scheme. The rejection came after an emergency gathering of Concacaf’s member delegations, where widespread criticism was levied against FIFA’s procedural missteps in rolling out the plan.

    At the heart of the dispute is FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s aggressive timeline for the proposal, which has set a mid-September deadline for all 211 of FIFA’s national member federations to approve the plan. Under the terms of the initiative, each national federation would receive $20 billion in total funding split across their individual soccer development programs. In exchange, FIFA requires member federations to agree to sell minority stakes in FIFA World Cup commercial rights to outside private equity investors – a provision that has sparked fierce pushback.

    Initial discontent broke into open opposition earlier this week, when both Concacaf and the European Soccer Confederation (UEFA) publicly condemned FIFA for failing to consult member bodies before distributing the proposal. Together, the two confederations represent 96 of FIFA’s 211 national federations, giving their combined opposition significant weight in the governance debate. While both organizations initially raised procedural concerns, the conflict quickly escalated, with UEFA drawing a hard line on Thursday by threatening a full historic boycott of all FIFA competitions if the proposal is not withdrawn.

    Hours after UEFA’s ultimatum, Concacaf followed with its own uncompromising rejection, led by president Victor Montagliani. In an official statement released after the emergency meeting, the confederation made clear its anger over the complete lack of administrative transparency surrounding the plan. “During the meeting, the membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies,” the statement read.

    Beyond procedural issues, Concacaf directly challenged FIFA’s core justification for bringing in outside private capital. The 2022 Qatar World Cup was the most commercially profitable in the tournament’s history, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted across three Concacaf member nations – the United States, Mexico, and Canada – which has already generated record-breaking commercial revenue. The confederation pointed out that there is no logical financial need to bring in outside investment following the unprecedented success of recent World Cup tournaments, questioning FIFA’s stated rationale for the proposal.

    Following the vote to reject the plan, Concacaf has laid out its next steps: it has tasked Montagliani, who also serves as a FIFA vice president, alongside FIFA Council members including Randy Harris of Barbados, with opening negotiations with FIFA leadership to explore alternative ways to boost development funding using the governing body’s existing cash reserves. The confederation has also directed its council representatives to push FIFA to require that all future organizational proposals follow formal due process and governance protocols outlined in FIFA’s official statutes.

  • Fundraising Cricket Day to support Cancer Society, Royals Girls Club

    Fundraising Cricket Day to support Cancer Society, Royals Girls Club

    Barbados’ Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise Barbados Tridents has announced a rebranded annual charity cricket fundraising event, set to take place on September 10 during its home fixture against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. The event, now named the Trident Trust CPL Fundraising Cricket Day, replaces the long-running Pink Promise campaign, and will direct all raised funds to two local causes: the Barbados Cancer Society and the Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club. The official announcement was made Thursday during the launch of the 2026 Walk for the Cure at Sugar Bay Barbados in Hastings.

    Following the franchise’s transition from the former Royals ownership to the current Barbados Tridents regime, the team has returned to its iconic national team colors of ultramarine blue and gold, a shift that prompted the rebranding of the charity initiative. However, Roxanne Forte, Head of Operations for Barbados Tridents, emphasized that the core mission of the event remains unchanged: advancing breast cancer awareness and supporting female empowerment, the same values that drove the original Pink Promise campaign.

    Forte explained that the former Royals franchise adopted pink branding specifically to center female empowerment, a goal that the new Trident management remains fully committed to. Even with the franchise’s return to its traditional blue and gold colors, the entire team will wear pink uniforms for the September 10 match to honor the initiative’s origins and continue raising visibility for breast cancer causes. This annual fundraising event is set to become a permanent tradition for the franchise, with annual donations earmarked for both the cancer society and the girls’ cricket development program.

    The original Pink Promise campaign already leaves a substantial legacy, having empowered more than 15 million families across India through its outreach and fundraising work. Now reborn under the Trident Trust name, the event is expanding its local impact to support Barbados’ own cancer support services and nurture young female cricket talent on the island.

    To maximize fundraising and fan engagement on match day, organizers have planned a full slate of special activities alongside the 7 p.m. fixture. Highlights include a surprise halftime concert featuring yet-unannounced star performers, a silent auction for attendees to bid on unique items and experiences, and on-site bucket collections for voluntary donations. All proceeds from these activities will be split equally between the two partner organizations.

    Forte also used the announcement to highlight an often-overlooked fact about breast cancer: the disease impacts people of all genders, not just women. She noted that even the cricket community in Barbados has been touched by male breast cancer cases, underscoring the importance of widespread awareness and continued fundraising to advance treatment and search for a cure. Encouraging the public to turn out in force for the event, Forte called on community members to support the initiative and help make this year’s fundraiser the most successful one to date.

  • Belize Basketball Bounce Back With Blowout of Guatemala

    Belize Basketball Bounce Back With Blowout of Guatemala

    Just 48 hours after a gut-wrenching last-minute three-point defeat to host Dominican Republic, the Belize men’s national basketball team delivered a statement response at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo. Facing off against long-time regional rival Guatemala on July 30, the team shrugged off any potential post-loss letdown to secure a resounding 94-64 victory that keeps their medal aspirations on track.

    Belize caught fire from the opening tip-off, exploding out of the gate to build an insurmountable advantage by halftime. The squad’s sharp shooting and aggressive defense allowed them to race to a 29-point halftime lead, sitting comfortably at 57-28 as the teams headed into the locker room. Any expectation that Belize would ease off the gas in the second half proved wrong: the team maintained its intensity on both ends of the court, extending its lead through the third and fourth quarters before cruising to the 30-point final margin.

    Offensively, Belize was led by standout guard Josiah Moseley, who put on a shooting masterclass to earn a game-high 22 points. Moseley finished the contest an incredible 9-of-10 from the field, turning nearly every one of his offensive opportunities into points. Behind Moseley, Elijah Favela contributed a solid 17 points to the final scoreboard, while forward Michael Caceres added 14 more to round out Belize’s top three scorers.

    With the convincing win over Guatemala, Belize has officially advanced to the medal round of the tournament. Per current seeding projections, the team is set to face Puerto Rico in its upcoming semifinal matchup, where it will fight for a spot in the gold medal game.

  • CONCACAF Rebels Against Infantino’s World Cup Plan

    CONCACAF Rebels Against Infantino’s World Cup Plan

    A high-stakes power clash is roiling the upper ranks of global football, with the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) taking an uncompromising stand against a controversial FIFA initiative led by association president Gianni Infantino. On July 30, 2026, CONCACAF and its 41 member national associations formally announced their rejection of a proposal that would open the FIFA World Cup to ownership stakes from private investors.

    The regional confederation has raised sharp red flags over the plan, warning that it poses major threats to transparency, sound governance, and the sovereign control of football’s most prestigious global tournament. After a meeting of member nations held the same day, the bloc made its official opposition public through a formal press release. News Five reached out to Sergio Chuc, president of the Football Federation of Belize, to unpack what the opposition means for Belize and the broader CONCACAF region.

    Chuc emphasized that FIFA’s existing financial standing is more than robust enough to fund World Cup operations without turning to outside private capital. “The organization is strong enough. There are enough reserves to put this same offer to all members without having to raise funds from any equity funds out there or mutual funds,” Chuc explained. He also added that even CONCACAF representatives who hold seats on FIFA’s governing board were kept in the dark about the proposal, a departure from the confederation’s standard collaborative processes. “We were quite surprised and that is not the channel the CONCACAF follows. Over the last decade we have worked tirelessly to change the CONCACAF image and don’t go back to those dark days. We have set certain standards and values that our members follow, our council follow and we at CONCACAF would not operate that way,” Chuc said.

    CONCACAF’s formal rejection is not the only pushback Infantino’s plan has faced: European football’s governing body UEFA has already issued a threat to boycott the upcoming World Cup should FIFA move forward with implementing the private investment scheme. The growing coalition of opposition underscores deep divisions within global football’s leadership over the future direction of the sport’s marquee event, as regional blocs push back against what they see as a threat to the governance norms they have worked to build in recent decades.

  • Burger King Clapham Bulls complete historic three-peat

    Burger King Clapham Bulls complete historic three-peat

    In a night of high drama at the Barbados Community College Gymnasium, Burger King Clapham Bulls pulled off one of the most memorable comebacks in Barbados amateur basketball history, rallying from a 20-point first-half deficit to secure a 102-98 victory over C.A.M Smart Assurance City United Celtics in Wednesday’s decisive Game 5. The win gives the Bulls a 3-2 series victory in the best-of-five finals, and wraps up a rare three consecutive Premier League titles for the franchise — a feat that hasn’t been achieved in the league in roughly 20 years.

    The Celtics, reigning holders of the President’s Cup, dominated the opening frames of the matchup. They jumped out to an early 28-16 lead by the end of the first quarter, and extended their advantage to 13 points at halftime, sitting comfortably at 53-40. At one point in the second quarter, the Bulls trailed by a full 20 points, leaving the championship on the brink of a Celtics upset.

    But the Bulls found their rhythm in the third quarter, tightening their defensive pressure and chipping away at the deficit. By the end of the third period, they had cut the Celtics’ lead to just six points, with the scoreboard reading 74-68. What followed was a frenetic back-and-forth final quarter, capped by a game-changing three-pointer from guard Rasheed Maynard in the final minutes that locked in the comeback victory for the Bulls.

    Offensively, the Bulls were led by a standout performance from Kyrone Alexander, who put up a game-high 34 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Akeem Marsh added a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Maynard and Rahiim Gibbons contributed 15 points apiece to the winning effort. For the Celtics, the game was nearly carried by Kiserian Adams and Deroni Hurley, who both dropped 24 points, with Theo Greendidge adding 22 points of his own in a losing effort.

    Following the historic win, an elated head coach Kelan Phillips credited his team’s mental toughness and unselfish play for the comeback. Phillips noted that slow starts had become a pattern for his squad throughout the finals series, but the team never lost their composure when falling behind early.

    “We fell behind early, then in the middle of the second quarter we were down 20 at one point, but then we cut into the lead and our defence got a little better,” Phillips explained post-game. “During the third quarter we really started to get a little rhythm, with our defence improving even more, and then in the fourth quarter we took the lead and it was back and forth, before we just executed down the stretch.”

    Phillips highlighted two key adjustments his team made to turn the game around: cutting down on unforced turnovers and improving clock management down the stretch. He also praised Maynard, who struggled through a quiet first half, for responding to halftime encouragement to hit the game-deciding shot.

    “Rasheed had a bit of a rough first half and I was just telling him just stay confident — you’re not going to win this game if you don’t stay confident and if you don’t execute in the second half,” Phillips said. “Thankfully that’s what he did. He had a big shot coming out late and basically put the game on ice.”

    When asked about the historic three-peat — a milestone not reached in the Barbados Amateur Basketball Association Premier League for roughly 20 years — Phillips pointed to team culture and collective sacrifice as the core of the franchise’s three-year run of success. The team navigated roster changes between seasons, losing several key players and integrating both new recruits and returning veterans from their first championship run, but never fractured under the change.

    “Everybody’s willing to buy in and we have a bunch of national players and players who were called to national trials. Despite this, everybody was willing to sacrifice some of their stats, some of their minutes or whatever to get the job done,” Phillips said. “Coming towards the end, there were no egos to get hurt, everybody on the team was still rallying.”

    In a show of good sportsmanship, Phillips also praised the Celtics, who have faced the Bulls in three straight finals, as worthy competitors who pushed his squad to their limit throughout the series and the entire season. “Kudos to them, it did not end the way that they would have wanted, but it was still a very good season overall for them,” he noted. “This is the third straight year in a row that we faced them in the final, so they are very good rivals and hats off to them for a good season.”

  • AFC en UEFA fel tegen FIFA-plannen voor verkoop World Cup-aandelen

    AFC en UEFA fel tegen FIFA-plannen voor verkoop World Cup-aandelen

    Global football governance is facing its latest high-stakes rift, as two of FIFA’s most powerful continental confederations have launched coordinated, fierce opposition to a controversial proposal from FIFA President Gianni Infantino that would sell a minority stake in the World Cup to private investors. Both the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have labeled the plan unacceptable, and have issued explicit threats to boycott FIFA-run tournaments if the proposal is pushed forward without broad consensus.

    Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who serves as FIFA senior vice-president and AFC president, has publicly criticized Infantino’s initiative, becoming the most senior global football official to join the growing opposition bloc. In a formal letter circulated to all 47 AFC member associations, which govern football across Asia, the Middle East and Australia, Sheikh Salman expressed deep disappointment that FIFA moved forward with the announcement without any meaningful prior consultation with continental bodies.

    Sheikh Salman warned that the proposal would fundamentally undermine the long-standing continental governing structure that underpins international football. He also urged AFC member associations to hold off on making any commitments or decisions on the plan until further inclusive consultations can be held. The AFC has made clear that the initiative has no path to success without the support of all of FIFA’s six continental confederations.

    Across Europe, UEFA, which represents 55 national member associations, has gone even further, voting unanimously to enact a full boycott of all FIFA events — including the men’s World Cup — if the investment plan moves forward. The hardline position was finalized during an emergency meeting of UEFA leadership and member representatives, with the confederation confirming in an official statement that it and its member unions will refuse to participate in FIFA competitions if the proposal is implemented.

    Infantino’s plan, first unveiled recently, calls for the creation of a $20 billion commercial subsidiary that will hold rights to the World Cup, with 20% of that subsidiary to be sold off to private investors. The lead backer for the stake is a New York-based investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner. To build support for the plan, FIFA has offered each of its 211 member national associations a $40 million payout conditional on their approval of the proposal by the September 19 deadline.

    The timing of the deadline has put early pressure on global football, with the next FIFA tournament — the Women’s U-20 World Cup — set to kick off in Poland on September 5, just two weeks before the approval cutoff. Both the AFC and UEFA have repeatedly emphasized that their opposition is rooted in a commitment to transparency, collaborative governance, and respect for the long-standing institutional structures that have shaped international football for decades.

    As the most widely viewed and financially lucrative sporting event on the planet, the World Cup represents an unparalleled revenue opportunity for FIFA. The governing body argues that bringing in private investment will unlock significant new revenue streams to grow the sport around the world. But the fierce resistance from the two largest and most powerful confederations underscores deep fears among regional governing bodies that the plan will erode their decision-making power and institutional control over the global game. The standoff lays bare the growing tensions between the push for commercial expansion at FIFA and the traditional, member-led governance model that has defined international football for more than a century.

  • Thea LaFond completes Commonwealth Games medal collection with triple jump gold

    Thea LaFond completes Commonwealth Games medal collection with triple jump gold

    Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has delivered another iconic moment for Caribbean athletics, as Dominica’s beloved Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond made history by claiming the top spot on the women’s triple jump podium, completing a full collection of Commonwealth Games medals across three consecutive editions of the games.

    LaFond sealed her gold-medal win with a standout leap of 14.60 metres, recorded with a +0.7 wind assistance, a result that put her far ahead of competitors and secured her place in the history books of Dominican sport. This latest victory adds a Commonwealth gold to the bronze medal she claimed at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the silver medal she took home at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, making her the first Dominican athlete to earn a medal sweep of every color at the multi-sport event.

    The milestone achievement marks yet another high point in LaFond’s storied career, which already includes an Olympic gold medal from the 2024 Paris Games, cementing her status as one of the most decorated Caribbean track and field athletes of her generation. Following the win, the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, offered his public congratulations to the star athlete in an official post shared to the government’s Facebook page.

    In his message, Skerrit framed LaFond’s latest win as a source of immense national pride for the small island nation. “Congratulations to Thea Lafond-Gadson on winning Gold in the Women’s Triple Jump at the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” Skerrit wrote. “Your achievement is another proud moment for Dominica! Way to go Champ!” The post quickly drew thousands of likes and celebratory comments from Dominicans at home and abroad, as well as fans of track and field from across the globe.

  • Dominica Bike Festival 2026 set to draw over 300 overseas riders for four-day celebration

    Dominica Bike Festival 2026 set to draw over 300 overseas riders for four-day celebration

    The Caribbean island nation of Dominica is preparing to welcome hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region and across the globe for its third annual Dominica Bike Festival, a four-day celebration of two-wheeled culture set to run from July 31 to August 3. Organized by local group 767 Bike Life with backing from Dominica’s Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the event has expanded steadily since its launch, with this year’s edition projected to draw more than 300 participating riders — a notable jump from 2024’s gathering, which brought 233 visiting riders alongside 470 local competitors and nearly 5,000 total spectators over two days at Canefield Airport.

    This year’s participant roster boasts a truly international footprint, with riders set to travel from 13 countries and territories including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Brazil, Curaçao, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United States. Adding star power to the lineup are several high-profile international stunt riders and digital content creators, among them Brazil’s Vinicius Moffati, Lil E of St. Maarten, Miami Skeet from the U.S., and prominent automotive influencer Nick Lue. These guests are expected to share their experiences at the festival with their millions of global social media followers, putting Dominica’s tourism offerings in front of a vast new international audience.

    The packed event schedule kicks off on Friday, July 31, with a free opening celebration along Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard, running from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. After the opening ceremony, attendees will gather for an informal meet-and-greet at The Lot Bar and Grill. High-octane drag racing competitions will take over Canefield Airport on Saturday, while Sunday will be dedicated to thrilling stunt exhibitions and skill-based contests that test the precision and daring of participating riders. The festival will conclude on Monday, August 3, with a scenic island-wide ride that starts at the Bayfront Cruise Ship Berth, makes stops at multiple local communities across Dominica, and ends with a closing gathering at Le Village Beach Club.

    For Dominica’s tourism sector, the growing popularity of the bike festival represents a significant economic boost, DDA Chief Executive Officer Marva Williams explained. “The growth from 233 visiting riders last year to more than 300 expected this year shows increasing regional and international interest in the Dominica Bike Festival,” Williams said. “Importantly, that growth translates into additional visitors staying in our accommodations, dining at our restaurants, using local transportation and exploring the island during their time in Dominica.”

    To ensure the event runs smoothly and safely for all participants and spectators, organizers have coordinated comprehensive safety protocols with local police, fire departments, and emergency medical services. All attendees and competitors have been reminded to adhere to official event guidelines throughout the four-day gathering to maintain a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.

  • Saint Lucia welcomes foreign teams for Rugby in Paradise

    Saint Lucia welcomes foreign teams for Rugby in Paradise

    Preparations are complete for one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated annual rugby events, as international squads began touching down on Saint Lucian soil for the fifth edition of the Saint Lucia International Carnival Sevens – branded as Rugby in Paradise. Local organizers from the Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) have framed the 2025 tournament as a landmark moment, marking steady progress for both rugby development and sports tourism on the island.

    The Canadian Pirates Rugby squad was the first international team to arrive on Tuesday, four days ahead of the tournament’s opening kickoff on Saturday, August 1. All men’s and women’s matches will be hosted at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in the northern coastal town of Gros Islet. In addition to Canada, the tournament will welcome competing sides from seven territories across the Caribbean and Americas: Martinique, Guyana, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, The Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

    Wayne Pantor, technical director of Saint Lucia Rugby, shared his enthusiasm for the event in a statement ahead of kickoff. “This tournament has grown to become one of the Caribbean’s leading rugby festivals, drawing together players, match officials, and passionate fans from across the region and across the globe,” Pantor said. “This year, we are thrilled to host teams and participants from seven distinct territories, coming together for a dynamic celebration of sport, culture, and the iconic hospitality that the Caribbean is known for.”

    Host nation Saint Lucia will field a multi-generational roster of local squads, highlighting the country’s ongoing investment in grassroots rugby development. The local line-up includes the senior men’s Saint Lucia Select Team, age-group sides including the Saint Lucia Academy U23, U19, and U16 squads, and two women’s teams: Blue Ice and Blue Flames.

    Pantor, who has led a targeted youth rugby development program centered on school partnerships across the island, emphasized the unique value the tournament brings to local emerging athletes. “This competition gives our homegrown players an incredible opportunity to test their skills against high-quality international opponents, while also showcasing how far rugby has grown on our island over the past years,” he explained.

    Beyond the on-field action, the tournament is designed to advance every layer of rugby in Saint Lucia. It supports expanded youth participation in the sport, targeted training for referees and coaches, engagement with community volunteers, and the strengthening of collaborative partnerships across regional rugby governing bodies. Economically, the event delivers a tangible boost to Saint Lucia’s local economy through growing sports tourism, drawing hundreds of international visitors to the island for the weekend of competition.

    True to its Carnival Sevens branding, the event blends elite rugby with full immersion in Saint Lucian culture. Off the pitch, all participants will have the opportunity to join Gros Islet’s ongoing Carnival celebrations, including iconic local traditions such as the Oil Down J’Ouvert, Knight Mas, and a full slate of community cultural events taking place across the northern town throughout the weekend.

    For Saint Lucia’s senior national squads, the 2025 Carnival Sevens also serves a critical preparatory purpose. The tournament is a key part of the country’s build-up to the 2026 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Qualifiers, scheduled for November 2026. Competing against top international sides this weekend will provide Saint Lucia’s national players with critical match experience to prepare them for the tough regional matches ahead.