BVI Rubgy will host USVI Rubgy in a 1st and 2nd Team Match Up on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the A.O. Shirley Grounds in Road Town. Photo: BVI Rugby

Thirty players are prepared to represent the Virgin Islands in the two 12-a-side games against the USVI, who will be playing their first match since Hurricane Irma in 2017. Photo: BVI Rugby Football Union/Facebook

BVI Rugby is coming off two victories over Puerto Rico and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Photo: BVI Rugby

The BVI Rugby Football Union, in a statement by Fixtures Secretary Tom Chapman, said: “We are really excited about the development of the sport and encourage young people to come out to watch to see if it is something they would like to get involved in and represent the territory.”

A monumental moment for BVI Rugby 

Chapman added that this weekend’s matches also represent a special moment for BVI Rugby. “This is a really monumental moment for BVI sport as it's the first time we have been able to put out a 2nd squad on the rugby pitch.”

Thirty players are prepared to represent the Territory in the two 12-a-side games against the visitors, who will be playing their first match since Hurricane Irma in 2017. 

“Their team struggled to rebuild after the disaster,” Chapman added. 

Chapman said the team, coming off two strong games this season after beating Puerto Rico (40-5) and Turks and Caicos Islands (37-29), is expected to put on another top performance against the “weaker, less prepared USVI squad”. 

The first game kicks off at 11:00 AM.

Chapman added that big performances are expected from Keegan Fisher and Rossa Canavan, while young players Ejay Scatliffe, T'khoy John and Alex Wells are expected to make a huge impact in the Senior Rugby debuts. 

Excited for the year ahead

Meanwhile, the BVI Rugby Football Union is expected to welcome a new Rugby Development Officer and National Team Coach this September.

“All players are very excited about a prosperous year ahead, which will culminate in BVI attending World Rugby's RAN 7s in late November and the beginning of a new Rugby 7s National Championship series starting in January 2027.”

It is expected that East, West, Central and Virgin Gorda will enter teams for the 2027 Championships. The championships will determine the national champion but also serve as the feeder programme for the National Squad to represent the territory in regional tournaments.