Bermuda Hosts Exciting Rugby Exhibition Game in August
HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 1 2017 – The USA Islanders announced a rugby exhibition match against top London professional club Saracens in Bermuda in August.
The USA Islanders are a newly formed team of players from US-based Pacific islands; including Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, and American Samoa. Former USA star Vaha Esikia is to coach the newly formed USA Islanders team, along with a group of other coaches from prominent Pacific islands. The full list has yet to be confirmed.
“What we want to do is set this is part of the pathway," said Esikia. "We can help good islander players be seen. We know there's a lot of talent out there, and this team will give them an opportunity.”
Esikia said he wants to hold tryouts in different areas around the country, and while there are some prominent players who could well be on this team, it's likely a few will be unearthed
The USA Islanders are to face off against the top London pro club, the Saracens, as a charity event in Bermuda. The game, scheduled for August 10, and will raise money for Beyond Rugby Bermuda.
Beyond Rugby Bermuda (BRB) is a partnership between the Family Center and Bermuda Rugby Football Union. Working with kids at Cedarbridge High School and Dellwood Middle School, BRB uses core values of rugby help children in Bermuda gain opportunities in life, including graduation. Formed as the vision of former WWE Superstar John Layfield, BRB provides an after-school homework academy structure, rugby training and family support services.
While there are several prominent player slotted for the USA Islanders team, in order to create the best team possible, Coach Esikia wants to hold open tryouts around the United States for rugby players who have yet to be discovered.
“There'll be guys from DI, DII, and DIII clubs, and colleges, we're looking everywhere,” said Esikia, adding that the players he will be looking for must be USA-eligible.
Players interested in competing for the USA Islanders Rugby team, and a U.S. eligible islander (permanent resident/citizen), contact Coach Vaha Esikia at vaha@lasvegasrugbyacademy.com or fill out this form. Players will be selected to play in matches against Pro Teams abroad and will also be on the radar of USA national team selectors.
