Bermuda’s women sevens rugby team, playing as the Dark & Stormies, will be in action in today’s 65th annual New York Rugby Sevens.

Alvin Harvey’s side is one of the 16 teams in the women’s social division. Ottawa Rugby Club, Burlington Centaurs Rugby Club and Scranton Norsemen Alumni Rugby Club are the other teams in the same pool with Bermuda, with the top two to progress to the next round.

All the action takes place at Randall’s Island Park in the heart of New York, for what is the biggest and longest-running single-day sevens tournament in the United States, with 14 divisions, more than 130 teams, and thousands of players from around the world.

Since most of the women’s rugby played in Bermuda is non-contact, the trip to the Big Apple presents the island’s women with a great opportunity to test themselves.

With a youthful squad and a number of new faces stepping up to replace the old guard, the team’s focus is on growth, cohesion and performance under pressure. Captained by Lysemeiri Santana Suazo, the Dark & Stormies will use the one-day tournament to prepare for the Rugby Americas North Sevens next year.

The Bermuda women were absent in last weekend’s RAN Sevens in Trinidad & Tobago, where the men finished with a flourish by winning the plate final on Sunday.

“The New York Sevens is a fantastic opportunity for this promising young team to gain invaluable experience against top-tier competition,” the coach said.

“We are proud of the hard work and dedication the players have shown, and this weekend will help lay the foundation for the future success.

“Our squad boasts of a mix of talent and potential, led by a group of rising stars eager to make their mark on the international stage.”