The Virgin Islands (VI) rugby team will be taking to the field today, Wednesday December 3, 2014, to compete in the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association’s (NACRA) Sevens Tournament in Mexico City. Photo: VINO/File

The VI are in Group B and play Barbados this morning before returning for a lunch date with Bermuda before wrapping up the day with a clash against St Lucia. Photo: VINO/File

With the Central American and Caribbean games just concluded in Vera Cruz, including men’s and women’s 7s divisions, attention now turns to the men’s and women’s NACRA 7s in Mexico City December 3 and 4, 2014 demonstrating the growth and commitment of the short form game in the region.

In Vera Cruz there were two four team men’s divisions, while the women’s side has six sides represented, with Colombia pulling off the surprise double gold. The Colombian men went undefeated in two days of competition, downing hosts Mexico in decisive fashion 41-0, whilst the Colombian women took on all challengers as well, coming away with the gold by downing Venezuela 24-5.

The NACRA 7s is a rare mid-week event in Mexico City and has a 12 team men’s division with three four team pools, while the women’s division features two four team pools.

The squad to represent the Territory includes Andre Adams, Shamarie Spencer, Kenrick Thomas, Andrew Simmonds, Eugine Maduro, Kareem 'Burger' Etienne, Victor Amparo, Rory Thornton, Garret Jardin, Franklin Victor, Jacques Roux, Noel Maxwell, Austin Keil and Thomas Chapman.

The VI are in Group B and play Barbados this morning before returning for a lunch date with Bermuda before wrapping up the day with a clash against St Lucia.

Group A includes defending champions, Trinidad, Jamaica, Curacao and Mexico B, while sitting in Group C are Mexico A, Guyana, Caymans and St. Vincent.

Group C sees Guyana, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Mexico and Cayman’s battling each other.

The quarter finals, semi finals and final all take place on Thursday.