One month beforeRugby Americas North (RAN) crowns two regional sevens champions, 14 men's teams and ten women's teams have been confirmed to participate in the annual international competition.
The tournament will take place at CIC grounds in Port-of-Spain, giving teams and spectators alike a chance to experience high caliber rugby in a festival-like atmosphere close to downtown, parks and the island's coastline. Matches will take place over two days on November 12-13.
Coming off rugby's Olympic debut, this year's RAN Sevens will give new rugby fans a chance to watch two full days of speed and hard-hitting action. After winning bronze in Rio, regional powerhouse Rugby Canada will be sending a Maple Leafs representative women's side to compete.
Also attending the tournament will be the T&T and Mexico women's sevens teams. Both sides competed in the Olympic Repechage this past year and are expected to test the Canadian Maple Leafs.
In the men's bracket, Mexico will surely be a dominant force after the fifteens side recently won the regional RAN 2019 Rugby World Cup Qualifier. The Cayman Islands, who recently competed in Hong Kong Sevens alongside Mexico, are expected to be a strong contender in the tournament as well.
Last year's tournament was held in North Carolina, USA and saw the USA Rugby Men's and Women's teams earn a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
After an exciting year of rugby sevens, RAN tournament director and general manager Niall Brooks anticipates this year's tournament to garner high interest as well.
"The annual RAN Sevens is one of our region's flagship tournaments," said Brooks. "Attracting the vast majority of the region's teams, we look forward to the high level of competition. This year there is also added incentive as the top two men's teams will earn a spot in the 2017 Hong Kong Sevens Tournament."
Hosts T&T Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) are looking forward to once again bringing in teams from around the region. The TTRFU hosted the RAN Under-19 Men's 15-A-Side Tournament in 2013 and 2014.
"The TTRFU and fraternity are beaming with pride in the fact the RAN has granted T&T the rites to host one of the largest tournaments in the region," said TTRFU President Leslie Figaro. "We are partnering with major government agencies to ensure the success of this tournament. It is also an ideal opportunity to showcase the beauty and magnificence of our Twin Island Republic and the friendliness and warmth of our people.
"I can ensure that the players and officials visiting, along with their spectators, will have a wonderful experience and fond memories that will last them a lifetime."
The competition will take place from approximately 9 am to 5 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.RAN's Get Into Rugby programme will also be on display, with an area for children to participate in age-appropriate rugby games and activities.
Entry into the event will be TT $20.For those unable to attend, matches will be broadcast locally and streamed live from both fields. Details will be forthcoming.
TEAMS
Men's
T&T, Canada Maple Leafs, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Bermuda, Turks & Caicos Islands, Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Martinique, Barbados, Guyana, Curacao
Women's
T&T, Canada Maple Leafs, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks & Caicos Islands, Dominican Republic, Guyana