Fourteen college and high school rugby teams will travel to the island next month for the Ariel Re Bermuda Rugby 7s Tournament.

Ivy League colleges, including Yale University, Columbia University and Dartmouth College, are among those sending athletes for the tournament while their schools are on spring break.

Two squads from Dartmouth will extend their stay in Bermuda to have a spring training camp immediately after the tournament. Two teams from Yale will extend their stay for rest and relaxation.

Two teams of Bermuda High School students and one team of college-aged players will participate in the tournament next month, competing against the visiting teams.

“While we are very happy to start this new event with 13 teams, there is an opportunity for this tournament to grow quickly,” Tom Healy, Bermuda’s Sevens head coach, said.

“One of the ways to ensure growth is to generate strong support from the public. We hope to see Bermuda come out to welcome our guests and to cheer for our young people who will be introduced to the world stage of rugby.”

In all some 200 players and coaches are expected to travel to Bermuda for the tournament, which take place at the National Sports Centre on March 18 and 19.

As well as being given the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best college players in the United States, Bermuda’s players will have a chance to showcase their talents in front of coaches who have university scholarships available.

“Rugby 7s is a growing sport internationally and in Bermuda,” Michael Doyle, from Ariel Re, said. “We are extremely proud to sponsor the Ariel Re High School Rugby League and excited at how this programme has grown successfully over the years.

“Furthermore, we look forward to showcasing the collegiate opportunities available to our young players if they continue to work hard in the classroom and on the field.”

The tournament is another example of the growing partnership between the island’s sporting associations and the Bermuda Tourism Authority. One that has already seen the Denmark swim team visit the island.

“We relish the opportunity to introduce Bermuda to these college and high school students who are the next generation of travellers,” Pat Phillip-Fairn, a BTA official said.

“There was a time when Bermuda was the premier spring break destination of colleges and universities.

“We’re now evolving Bermuda’s position in that space, targeting college and high school athletic teams on spring break to present an exciting new opportunity for our tourism industry, especially when we leverage the world-class training facilities at the National Sports Centre.”