Bermuda's Men’s Under-19 national rugby team is set to head to Querétaro, Mexico, this week to take part in the 2026 Rugby Americas North Men’s Under-19 XVs Championship. The event, scheduled for August 5 to 8, will be held at FC Total. This marks Bermuda’s third consecutive appearance in Querétaro, with the island narrowly missing out on a regional title in 2024, finishing as runners-up to the USA South team. This year, however, the squad has a new look due to a large turnover of players, giving a fresh generation the chance to showcase their talents on the regional stage.
The team consists of 19 players, led by captain Dylan Sangster, who brings strong leadership to the group. Supporting the captain are vice-captains Nyindae Smith and Dante Noel-Simmons, who will take on vital roles in mentoring the team. With nine players stepping onto the international scene for the first time, the squad is a mix of experience and new energy. Two of these debutants have already reached the 19-year-old age limit for the category, showing the team is well-balanced in terms of readiness and experience.
Team Leadership and Structure
Dylan Sangster, the team’s captain, shared his excitement about the upcoming competition. He emphasized how, despite the ever-changing nature of the squad each year, the team has developed strong confidence and strong team chemistry. As the team prepares for the match against the USA, the captain expressed full trust in the group and said they are ready to represent Bermuda with pride.
Co-Head Coach Chris Naylor described the group as both young and hungry to prove themselves. He noted that while most of the debutants are young, a few are already of the older age allowed in the U19 category. Naylor expressed confidence in the team’s potential and highlighted the importance of leadership from senior players like Sangster and the vice-captains. With the opening matches featuring tough opponents — the USA and the host nation Mexico — the team faces a demanding start to the tournament.
Tournament Schedule and Matches
The tournament schedule begins on August 5 with matches against the USA at 9:00 a.m. and Mexico at noon. On Thursday, Bermuda will take on Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The tournament concludes on Saturday, August 8, with the finals. The coaching team, led by Chris Naylor and Anthony Cupidore, is eager to see the impact the younger players will have and hopes their efforts will shine on the field.
Grassroots Rugby and Community Support
Bermuda Rugby President Gemma Godfrey praised the significance of the tournament as part of the national player development system. She described it as a highlight of the annual rugby calendar and a key opportunity for players coming through the country’s youth programs. These include schools’ rugby, Broncos Rugby, and the Beyond Rugby program, which all feed talent into the national U19s.
Godfrey also highlighted the remarkable achievements of Bermuda’s rugby community. Despite the island’s small size and limited resources, Bermuda regularly fields teams in international competitions and goes up against countries with much broader youth development pathways and greater exposure to the sport. This is, she said, a testament to the dedication of Bermuda’s volunteer coaches, many of whom are parents giving up their evenings and weekends to support the game.
Godfrey acknowledged the long-standing contributions of key figures in the community, including Anthony Cupidore, Chris Naylor, and Jeff Sangster. Cupidore has led several youth initiatives, including the Broncos Rugby program, while Naylor has worked across primary schools and club levels to develop the sport. Jeff Sangster has played a vital role in fundraising and logistics, managing everything from budgeting to international travel. These individuals, along with countless other volunteers, have been essential in building Bermuda’s youth rugby system over the past 15 years.
New Rule and Global Exposure
This year’s tournament will also mark the first time the Rugby Americas North 2026 Tackle Height Law Variation is used. The new rule, which requires tacklers to make contact below the base of the ball-carrier’s sternum during open-field play, aims to reduce head-to-head and shoulder-to-head collisions. This initiative is part of a broader push in the sport to enhance player safety and reduce injury risks.
The matches will be streamed globally via RugbyPass TV, allowing fans from around the world to watch Bermuda's young team take on the best in the region. This global exposure not only highlights the quality of the competition but also gives Bermuda’s players a chance to showcase their skills to a wider audience.