标签： Saint Lucia

The Saint Lucia national rugby team, a relatively inexperienced squad, is set to receive a significant boost from two overseas players as they gear up for the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Tournament. Scheduled for November 21–23, 2025, at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago, the team will compete in Tier 2 alongside The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. This year’s squad will feature elite youth from the Saint Lucia Rugby Youth Academy (VIPER Rugby), four locally-based senior players, and two Canadian-based players, Melvin Alexis and Claudius Medouze. Melvin Alexis, the 2024 player of the year for Rugby Ontario, has been part of Canada’s national team setup and led his team in ties while playing for Peterborough Pagans in the Marshall Premiership. In April 2025, he was called up to the LIT Olympic Rugby Sevens Camp at the Olympic Training Centre in Chula Vista, California, where he received instruction from Olympians and USA Rugby stars. Claudius Medouze, who moved to Canada in 2004, has played with teams across Canada and the United States, including Brampton Beavers in Ontario. He is the founder of Misfits Rugby Football Club, which was formed in 2022 and has competed in tournaments across the Caribbean, including the Saint Lucia Carnival Rugby Sevens. The diasporic ruggers have been training with their domestic counterparts for the past week, under the leadership of head coach Chantal John, assistant coach Electra Marcelle, and manager Meraius James. Senetta Viger will travel with the team as medical support staff. Among the youth players heading to the tournament are LeMani Lewis, Malyle Cherry, Yantez Jn Baptiste, Cherquain St Croix, Muhammad McLorrain, and Benerrero Wellington. Wellington will be representing Saint Lucia in a third different sport, having previously worn national colours for football and volleyball. The team’s ascension to the senior ranks is part of the strategic four-year plan for Rugby Saint Lucia. The squad also comprises Jesey Francois, Neighman Lascaris, Ethan Phillip, and Dwayne George Nathaniel, all of whom have been capped previously at the senior level. The team will arrive in Trinidad and Tobago for pre-tournament training sessions from November 19 to 20, and they are keen to showcase Saint Lucia Rugby’s talent and spirit on the international stage. ‘This tournament presents a valuable development opportunity for our athletes and a chance to represent Saint Lucia with pride,’ said technical director Wayne Pantor. The annual RAN Sevens tournament will be hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Union for the second year in a row, having been allocated for three years in succession. The winners of the Men’s Tier 1 will qualify for the World Rugby SVNS pathway. The top three Tier 1 teams, excluding defending champions Canada, can also qualify for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, being held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Tier 2 winners will be promoted to Tier 1 for 2026.

The proposed schedule for the women’s 100m event at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles has sparked significant backlash, with Julien Alfred’s agent, Henry Rolle, leading the charge against what he describes as an unfair and inequitable decision. The controversy stems from the plan to hold all three rounds of the women’s 100m—heats, semifinals, and final—on the same day, a move unprecedented in Olympic history. While organizers have framed this as a way to kick off the Games with one of the most electrifying events, athletes and coaches have criticized the lack of recovery time, especially since the men’s 100m retains its traditional two-day format. Rolle, a seasoned coach and advocate for athlete rights, has publicly condemned the decision, citing persistent scheduling inequities that disadvantage female sprinters. He highlighted the physical toll on athletes, referencing the 2024 Olympics, where women’s 200m rounds began less than 12 hours after the 100m final, leaving competitors with minimal rest. Rolle has called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to uphold principles of fairness and equity, emphasizing that women athletes deserve equal conditions and respect. Despite support from some athletes, including Dina Asher-Smith, who praised the opportunity to celebrate women’s sprinting, Rolle and Alfred have refused to endorse the schedule, vowing to advocate for systemic change through media engagement in the UK and France.

Saint Lucia concluded their campaign in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-23 Men’s Championship in fourth place, marking a one-position improvement from their 2023 performance. Despite a promising start with two consecutive victories, the team faced a challenging streak, losing their next four matches. The tournament, held at the YMCA in St John’s, Antigua & Barbuda, wrapped up on Sunday, November 16. Dominica emerged as the champions, defeating hosts Antigua & Barbuda 3-1 in a thrilling final (25-15, 20-25, 25-17, 25-19). Meanwhile, Grenada secured the bronze medal after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Saint Lucia in the third-place playoff (21-25, 25-16, 23-25, 25-14, 15-12). This marked a significant improvement for Saint Lucia, who had previously suffered a 3-0 defeat to Grenada in the preliminary rounds. Although the team missed out on a podium finish, individual players shone brightly. Captain Daniel Mayers-James was recognized as the tournament’s best scorer, while Peter Emmanuel earned the title of best first middle blocker. With a young squad featuring players as young as 14 and 15, Saint Lucia remains optimistic about their prospects in the next edition of the competition in 2027, especially after notable victories over defending champions St Vincent & the Grenadines and Anguilla.

The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association/Laborie Cooperative Credit Union Under-13 Grassroots Tournament has reached its semifinal stage, with Dennery, Babonneau, Soufriere, and Desruisseaux securing their spots after a thrilling quarterfinal weekend. The matches, held on Saturday, November 15, at the Dennery Playing Field, showcased exceptional performances and intense competition. Dennery triumphed over Laborie, while Babonneau outplayed Choiseul, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal lineup. Dennery faced a previously unbeaten Laborie team, limiting them to 85-8 and confidently chasing the target with 86-4 in just 10 overs. Kivaniel Evans starred for Dennery, taking 2-9 and top-scoring with nine runs. Meanwhile, Babonneau posted 88-5 against Choiseul, with nine-year-old Kaylani William emerging as the standout player, scoring 21 runs and taking 3-19 to secure victory. The semifinals, hosted by Soufriere on November 29, promise to deliver more cricketing excitement.

The Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre (SLCHPC) has unveiled its third cohort of promising cricketers, marking a significant step in nurturing the island’s sporting talent. The announcement was made on November 15 during an induction ceremony held at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa & Beach Resort. The event celebrated the inclusion of seven new players, including former Saint Lucia Under-17 captain Khan Elcock, Windward Islands youth legspinner Cody Fontenelle, and Mon Repos batter Cody Lesmond. Other inductees are Sacchin Josh Cepal, Kethan Charlemagne, Ephron Charles, and the sole female player, Kanicsher Auguste. The group will undergo intensive training at Mindoo Phillip Park under the guidance of head coach John Eugene and SLCHPC chairman Craig Emmanuel. The SLCHPC, a collaborative effort between the Government of Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Youth Development & Sports and the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, is partially funded by the National Lotteries Authority. Now in its third year, the initiative continues to provide a dedicated platform for young cricketers aspiring to excel at regional and international levels. The induction ceremony also honored the 2024 class, recognizing standout performers such as Shawnil Edward (most disciplined), Selena Ross (most dedicated), Royce Paul (most improved), Bolton Sayers (most outstanding), and Theo Edward (coach’s award). The SLCHPC has already produced notable graduates, including West Indies players Ackeem Auguste, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, and Nerissa Crafton, as well as West Indies Under-19 stars Tarrique Edward and Selena Ross.

In a nail-biting encounter on November 15, the West Indies narrowly missed victory against New Zealand, succumbing to a seven-run defeat in the first of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) held in Christchurch. The match marked the international debut of Shamar Springer, adding a fresh dynamic to the Windies’ lineup. Despite a valiant effort, the Caribbean side couldn’t overcome the BlackCaps’ resilience, setting the stage for an intense series. West Indian captain Shai Hope won the toss and opted to bowl, capitalizing on favorable conditions. Matthew Forde made an immediate impact, dismissing Rachin Ravindra and Will Young in consecutive deliveries. However, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell stole the spotlight with a masterful century, scoring 119 runs and anchoring his team’s innings. Jayden Seales emerged as a key figure for the Windies, claiming three wickets for 41 runs and restricting the hosts to under 300. The West Indies’ chase began cautiously, with early wickets forcing a defensive approach. Sherfane Rutherford’s return to form, with a solid 55 runs, provided hope, while Romario Shepherd’s explosive 38 off 24 deliveries nearly turned the tide. Yet, the BlackCaps held their nerve in the final over, securing a narrow victory. The Windies now face a must-win situation in the second ODI on November 18 to keep the series alive.

Anse La Raye emerged victorious in the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Super League (Tier 2) after a commanding 3-0 win over Vieux Fort North in the final. The match, held at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet on November 15, showcased Anse La Raye’s dominance throughout the tournament. Having topped the league stage with an impressive goal difference of 16, they secured their spot in the final by defeating Laborie 1-0 in the semifinals. Vieux Fort North, who finished third in their group, earned their place in the championship match by overcoming the Saint Lucia National Under-20 team. The game, initially scheduled for November 8 at the Soufriere Mini Stadium, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. Anse La Raye took an early lead in the 15th minute with a stunning strike from Hanson Frederick outside the box. The second half saw Sagat Ferdinand extend their lead with a remarkable goal in the 64th minute, followed by a penalty from captain Nangee Philip, sealing their triumph. A red card for Vieux Fort North’s Steve Darcheville in the 86th minute compounded their struggles. Post-match, a jubilant Philip expressed his elation, dedicating the victory to his home village and thanking the loyal supporters for their unwavering encouragement. The team’s promotion to the Premier League marks a significant milestone in their journey.

In a thrilling showdown at the Beausejour Gymnasium, Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) clinched a narrow 31–30 victory over Micoud Secondary in the Under-19 Schools’ Netball Tournament final. The match, marked by intense competition and strategic brilliance, was ultimately decided by the defensive prowess of Hayla Samuel, who was named both MVP and best defender of the final. Samuel, alongside captain Mya King, formed an impenetrable backline that stifled Micoud’s shooters, despite a late surge from the East Coast team. VFCSS led 7–5 after the first quarter and 13–11 at halftime, but it was in the third quarter that they gained significant momentum, stretching their lead to 24–19. Micoud fought back valiantly in the final period, outscoring VFCSS 11–7, but fell just one goal short of tying the game. Deriscia Mitchell and Neriah Charlery were instrumental for VFCSS, combining for 11 goals on 13 attempts in the third quarter. Mitchell finished with 22 goals from 26 attempts, while Charlery added 9 from 14. For Micoud, Mekeige Joseph and Clarise Nervais contributed 18/29 and 12/20 goals, respectively, under relentless defensive pressure. Charlery, aged just 13, was named best attacking player of the tournament, adding to VFCSS’s haul of three individual awards. Micoud’s Kiehanna St Juste earned best centre court honours, while Soufriere’s Kelly Monlouis claimed the most accurate shooter award. Samuel, a dual-sport athlete who also represents Saint Lucia in football, was one of four players in the final who had competed at the Jean Pierre Caribbean Youth Netball Tournament earlier this year.