Four Bermuda rugby players have been selected to represent the revived West Indies at the Tropical Sevens Rugby tournament, scheduled for next Friday and Saturday, in Tampa, Florida.

Hadleigh Tucker and Jahniko Francis are part of the men’s team, while Corrie Cross and Najee Pitt-Clarke made it into the women’s side. Additionally, Jonathan Cassidy, the Bermuda Rugby Football Union’s director of sevens and a former West Indies player, has been named as one of the tour managers.

The teams, under the tutelage of Wayne Pantor, Jerome Poon Tip and Chantel John, will assemble in Florida for pre-tournament training sessions from Sunday to Wednesday.

“The tournament will feature elite youth and senior talent from across the globe,” West Indies Rugby said.

“We are proud to field two dynamic teams composed of top players representing the Caribbean region and diaspora, with a mixture of regional senior players and rookie players to the elite level of sevens rugby.

Tucker, who was voted as the best domestic rugby player at the BRFU awards last week, believes that the reintroduction of West Indies team will reinvigorate the sport in the region.

“I feel lucky to have been selected for the return of West Indies sevens,” the 27-year-old said.

“I’m very thankful to the support I have received from the BRFU, Teachers Rugby Football Club and my family. I am also proud of myself as I have been working hard to achieve more with Bermuda sevens. So it is gratifying to be acknowledged in the form of selection.

“I think that West Indies programme is a great developmental tool for the nations included in the squad. It gives another goal and opportunity to the players that want to better themselves, and their respective nations.

“For the majority of the players in the Caribbean, once the Rugby Americas North competition closes and if their nation fails to qualify for another tournament, their sevens season is over.

“I think that having a couple of West Indies tournaments a year, taking the best players to travel and train at recognised international competitions will breathe new life into our rugby programmes.”

Francis, who is excited to see his dream come true, cannot wait to showcase his burst of speed on the global stage.

“I feel that the return of West Indies team gives people a reason to keep playing to try and make the side,” the 26-year-old said.

“I would love to see West Indies becoming like the old days when I dreamt of being part of it when I was younger.”

Cross, while anxious about being chosen, believes the revival of the programme will serve as motivation to players in the Caribbean. “I’m honoured and slightly nervous,” she said.

“I’ve heard of West Indies rugby team, but it was active before my time. So to be a part of its revival now is special.

“I think having West Indies as a collective of rugby talent to represent the potential throughout the Caribbean is important for the development of the sport.

“It’s also an opportunity to put Caribbean rugby at the forefront, and let the rest of the global rugby community know the Caribbean has talented athletes.”

Pitt-Clarke is relishing the prospect of taking to the field with some of the finest talent from the region.

“Being selected to represent West Indies is an incredible honour,” the Reading University student said.

“Coming from Bermuda, I’ve always taken pride in representing my country on the international stage. But having the opportunity to compete alongside some of the best talent from across the Caribbean is a unique and exciting challenge.

“It would also be a major step forward in developing a more unified and competitive presence for Caribbean rugby in global tournaments.”

Cassidy, who made his West Indies debut in 2000, before he served as a selector, is excited to return in a different capacity.

“I am deeply honoured and proud to have been appointed as West Indies men’s team manager for the Tropical Sevens tournament,’’ he said.

“This role holds a special place in my heart, as it comes 25 years after I had the incredible privilege of being selected in the first West Indies rugby team as a player.

“The memories of playing for West Indies are etched in my mind – competing alongside the best players from all over the region, achieving success in Hong Kong, South America, Europe, and the UK, and, most importantly, forging lifelong friendships.

“We are extremely grateful for the support from Coralisle Group, who are the team’s lead sponsor for this tournament.

“CG Insurance operates in all of the individual countries represented by West Indies, and we trust that our shared values will align for a mutually beneficial, long-term partnership.”

Meanwhile, Tucker and Jessica Cassidy were recognised as the best male and female players in domestic rugby at a ceremony held on North Field, National Sports Centre. For Cassidy, it was the second season in a row for her to pick up the same award.

Jordan Mallory also secured a second consecutive female youth player prize, with Asher Wheddon taking home the male accolade. Cat Morris was adjudged the female rookie of the year while Jaiden Hill took the male prize.

For fair play, Cross and Grenville Lines got the recognition. Ashley Godek, who last year became the first Renegades female president, received the BRFU spirit award.