James Clarke, a former Jamaica rugby coach, has been appointed as rugby operations director by the Bermuda Rugby Football Board.

Clarke’s appointment marks the first full-time rugby officer since the pre-Covid era, when Patrick Calow served as youth development officer in collaboration with Family Centre.

Clarke will be responsible for increasing rugby participation across all levels, with a particular focus on the development of youth rugby and rugby in schools.

His role includes driving initiatives that improve access and inclusion, developing pathways from grassroots to international competition, and leading the growth of women’s rugby.

Clarke will also oversee the organisation of high-quality coaching programmes and tournaments while working closely with schools, rugby clubs, and the local community.

“I am delighted to finally be here in Bermuda and very grateful for the warm reception that I’ve received so far,” Clarke said.

“Bermuda has a rich rugby history, and I look forward to playing my part in its continued success by helping to grow and develop the game at grassroots level and strengthening links and pathways through to the domestic and international game.

“Rugby is a game for all, and I hope to develop the inclusivity and diversity within the game here in Bermuda so that more people get to enjoy our great sport at all ages and levels.”

Dan Roberts, coach at Warwick Academy, welcomed the recruitment of Clarke.

“We are thrilled to welcome James,’’ Roberts said. “This is a much needed development for our rugby community, and we are confident the expertise he brings will reignite the passion for the sport across the island.

“His experience and vision are exactly what we need to take Bermuda rugby to the next level.”

BRFU president Gemma Godfrey expressed her confidence that Clarke will contribute to the expansion of the sport on the island.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome James Clarke to Bermuda as our rugby operations director.

“This appointment is the result of over a year of hard work and a global recruitment effort. I want to thank my fellow executive members, Nick West and Gillian Cross, for the unending support and time they have given to this process.

“Our most dedicated rugby coaches, Patrick Calow, Dan Roberts, and Chris Naylor, we also thank them for their contributions during the interview process.

“A special thanks also goes to Maceo Dill from the Department of Youth and Sport for his guidance and participation during the interviews, as well as to Expertise Group for their invaluable support throughout the process.

“With James on board, we are confident that Bermuda rugby will continue to grow and thrive.”

The domestic rugby season starts on Friday night with matches on North Field.

Two women’s matches are scheduled with one game for the men.

First to take to the field will be the women, when Teachers take on Renegades, before Police and Amazon, a new team, meet. Teachers, the men’s defending champions, open their league campaign against Renegades.

Cross, the women’s rugby representative, spoke about what they seek to achieve with the introduction of a new side.

“In an effort to grow women’s rugby in Bermuda, we’ve introduced a new team called the Amazons, created specifically for newcomers to the sport,’’ she said.

“This initiative provides valuable playing time and experience for new players, helping to introduce rugby to individuals who might not ordinarily consider participating. Our goal is to expand the game’s visibility and reach and to foster a love for rugby across the community.”

In last Friday’s Mad Hatters tournament, Teachers were the women’s champions, while the men’s title was won by Police.