Tuesday, 26 April 2011 – Road Town, Tortola: In what is expected to be one of the biggest regional sporting events ever to be staged in the British Virgin Islands, the BVI National Rugby Team will take on Barbados this Saturday 30 April at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds.

Fresh from a resounding victory over St. Vincent and the Grenadines on 9 April, the local team, proudly sponsored by Digicel BVI, will now take on the Barbados team. It is anticipated that hundreds of spectators will turn out to see who will advance to the next round of the North American Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Men’s 15’s Tournament.

“The BVI Rugby Football Union is very excited that the local team has made it to this stage in this tournament; this is a major step in the development of rugby in the British Virgin Islands and we look forward to winning this match,” stated coach Sherlock Solomon. “The team is rearing to go and we invite everyone to come to the A. O. Shirley Grounds on Saturday to see us in action.”

According to CEO Alan Bates of major sponsors Digicel, his company is delighted to be associated with the BVI Rugby Football Union and support especially youth rugby development in these islands. He said this is an historical time for the sport in this territory and Digicel is more than pleased to partner with the Rugby Club and other sponsors to host this tournament here.

“Digicel congratulates the BVI Team on its resounding victory over St. Vincent and the Grenadines earlier this month and we look forward to this weekend’s event, where we will be rolling out the ‘red carpet’ for Team Barbados, who incidentally is sponsored by our counterparts, Digicel Barbados,” Bates said. “So, this is expected to be some great fun among rival teams from the Caribbean and in this case also among two Digicel markets.”

Saturday’s event begins at 3pm with a BVI Youth Rugby Exhibition Game. The BVI vs Barbados game begins at 4pm. The winner goes on to a round robin competition with Trinidad, Tobago and Guyana, which is the South Region NACRA Men’s 15’s Championship.

Everyone is invited to the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on Saturday for the big rugby games, starting at 3pm.

Ends….