TAMPA, Florida – For the first time in its sporting history, West Indies Rugby is fielding senior men’s and women’s elite teams at the prestigious Tropical 7s Rugby Tournament, unfolding in Tampa, Florida, on April 18–19.
This milestone moment marks the Caribbean region’s most unified and ambitious step yet onto the global rugby sevens stage.
“This is a huge moment for us,” said a West Indies Rugby spokesperson. “It’s an opportunity to show the world the depth of talent that exists across the Caribbean. Our players have worked incredibly hard, and we’re excited to see how they perform on this platform.”
Fraser leads a fierce men’s line-up
At the helm of the West Indies men’s team is Jamaica’s Ronaldeni Fraser, a high-impact playmaker renowned for his tactical brilliance and leadership. Fraser captains a squad that reads like a roll call of the Caribbean’s rugby elite, blended with rising talent from the region’s far-reaching diaspora.
The men’s roster is a vivid tapestry of Caribbean pride:
- Barbados: Daniel Ramsay
- Bermuda: Hadleigh Tucker, Jahniko Francis
- Guyana: Godfrey Broomes, Lionel Holder, Owen Adonis, Tyrese Prescod
- Jamaica: Matteo Cherwayko, Captain Ronaldeni Fraser
- Trinidad & Tobago: Jerrell Vincent, Shaydon Delaney
- United States (diaspora): Vallon Adams
- Reserve: Kyan Cherwayko
Together, they form a formidable force ready to challenge some of the best teams in the Senior Men’s Elite Division, including Crewmen Rugby, Boston Rugby Select, Black Goats, Great Danes Select, Pirates 7s (Canada), and Saratoga Jockeys.
Blair leads the charge for trailblazing women’s team
On the women’s side, the West Indies squad will be led by Veronica Blair, a seasoned competitor tasked with guiding a powerful unit of both veterans and breakout talent.
The full women’s line-up showcases talent from across the Caribbean:
- Bermuda: Corrie Cross, Najee Pitt-Clarke
- Guyana: Carrin Carter
- Jamaica: Aniya Smith, Mercedes Coles, Morgan Brown, Naomi Dodd
- Saint Lucia: Mary Roberts, Shammah Philgencet
- Trinidad & Tobago: Leah Kintiba (Vice-Captain), Renetta Reynold
- Reserve: Nathalia Cadiz (T&T)
Their opposition includes top-tier sides like H.E.B. Lady Hurricanes, Phoenix Rugby 7s, Macdowell Rugby (Canada), NAV 7s, Magandaquins Rugby, Chicago Lions, and Atlantis.
Regional unity, global ambition
Behind the scenes, the coaching trio of Wayne Pantor (Trinidad & Tobago/St. Vincent & the Grenadines), Jerome Poon Tip (Trinidad & Tobago), and Assistant Coach Chantel John (Saint Lucia) have been instrumental in fusing diverse playing styles and preparing both squads for the intense pace and skill level demanded on the global 7s stage.
More than just a debut, this tournament represents a broader movement: the emergence of the Caribbean as a united force in international rugby. With flair, speed, and heart in abundance, both squads are not only playing for victory—they’re playing for legacy.
The global rugby proving ground
Now considered one of the premier events on the international sevens circuit, the Tropical 7s attracts elite youth and senior teams from across the globe. The tournament offers a highly competitive stage—and the perfect proving ground for the newly minted West Indies sides to stake their claim.
Whether it’s Fraser’s electrifying breaks or Blair’s commanding field vision, all eyes will be on the West Indies as they write a thrilling new chapter in Caribbean rugby history.
