15s RUGBY
OK Rugby players - at least, those of you living and playing in Nassau - this season, you can look forward to more club rugby than ever before as the number of 15s games will increase from the regular 15 games to 28 per season.
This means that each Nassau club will go from playing 7/8 games in the regular season to 13 to 15 games (including finals). Essentially, this means there will be two games played every Saturday (except for the Christman Break) until the middle of March - so players, be prepared.
This is due to the reintroduction of the old Nassau Cup alongside the regular Bahamas Cup.
This move has been prompted by two major factors:
1. The increase in the number of youth players, now transferring into senior clubs.
2. The lack of playing opportunities for these players.
It the goal of the BRFU is that, given the influx of youth players, each club should be able to put out a B team within the next season or two. This will ultimately lead to the formation of breakaway/new clubs and the reintroduction of the Nassau Cup is a good step towards that goal. The increased number of games will give more players the chance to play and, by definition, improve the quality of the domestic game.
TOURING 15s
A four week period in March and April will be dedicated to games against touring sides from the US and elsewhere. To date, five teams have indicated their intention to tour during those dates and it is hoped that the number of teams will at least double.
7s RUGBY
That having been said, the 15s season will start late this year (November 11th) as the National 7s team is preparing for the NAWIRA 7s in Barbados.
With the exception of the weekend of the 21st (Cultural Festival), 7s will be played at Winton every Saturday until that date.
The format will be one of mini-tournaments in A and B divisions, games starting at 2:30pm at Winton Rugby Centre.
7s rugby will restart in May, once the 15s season has ended.
A full 15s Season schedule will be published on this site soon (ie: when I've got a free three hours to post it).
In the meantime, however, you can get a copy of the schedule by e-mailing me or by requesting one in the 'comments' section below.
