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Bermuda’s under-19 rugby squad to compete in Mexico
Bermuda’s Under-19 men’s rugby squad is poised for a challenging and exciting week as they compete in the 2025 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Men’s U19 XVs Tournament. The competition returns to the familiar grounds of FC Total in Querétaro, Mexico, running from July 9th to 12th.
Federación Méxicana de Rugby has secured the hosting rights for this event through 2026, with the FC Total facility offering top-tier amenities.
Bermuda will be joined by five other nations in this year’s tournament: the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, hosts Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United States.
The Bermuda Men’s Under 19 Team comprises: Cameron Addiscot, Michael Barclay, Sam Jenkins, Jahkeel, Daniel Kunst, Thomas Macloughlin, Dylan Sandster, Nyindae Smith, Asher Wheddon, David Barclay, Osiris Buffinge-Hunt, Matthieu Deguay, Henry Kerr, Jaden Obas-Simons, Brandon Sangster, Ramsey Souter, Rowan Stewart, and Michael Tadman.
The tournament format will see intensive Pool Play across the first two days, Wednesday, July 9th and Thursday, July 10th. Matches during these pool stages will be shortened to 40 minutes per game. Following a rest day on Friday, the competition will culminate with full 70-minute Finals on Saturday, July 12th.
Bermuda will be looking to build on their strong ranking as they face a demanding schedule. Their opening Pool Play matches on Wednesday, July 9th, include a clash against hosts Mexico at 9:00 AM (Central Time), followed by a match against the Cayman Islands at 12:00 PM (Central Time).
Pool Play Day Two on Thursday, July 10th, will see Bermuda take on Trinidad & Tobago at 10:00 AM (Central Time), before concluding their pool matches against Jamaica at 1:00 PM (Central Time).
The tournament provides a crucial development platform for young Bermudian rugby talent, offering high-level international competition and a chance to prove themselves against the best in the region. All matches are expected to be streamed live on RugbyPass TV (RPTV), World Rugby’s streaming platform.
Here’s the press release from Bermuda Rugby:
Querétaro, Mexico — After a long period of travel from Bermuda on Sunday and arriving in the small hours of the morning, the island’s U19 national rugby squad is now settling into Querétaro ahead of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Men’s U19 XVs Tournament, set to begin Wednesday, July 9.
This year, Bermuda enters the competition as defending silver medallists, following a glowing 2024 campaign that saw the U19s reach the tournament final for the first time in recent years, ultimately falling to USA South in a spirited 27–14 battle, but one that served as a breakthrough moment for Bermuda’s youth rugby programme. That performance marked the island’s second-best finish at the competition, next to 2010’s tournament win in the Bahamas.
Now, with pride and pressure in equal measure, Bermuda returns with a new-look squad and a continued commitment to development.
“We’re proud to be back at the RAN Championships representing Bermuda,” said Coach Anthony Cupidore. “This year’s team is younger, but incredibly eager to make their mark. After a long travel day, we’ll be spending the next two days acclimating to the altitude and heat, sharpening our focus and building cohesion before the first whistle on Wednesday.”
Cupidore continued: “We’re a squad of nineteen with only five of last year’s players returning. Today’s training session was a combination of fun games, hard tackling and extreme fitness as we push them hard together as a team, as well as show them their strengths and weaknesses.
We have one more session tomorrow to build on both and we’re looking forward to pitting ourselves against Mexico in the opening game on Wednesday.”
The 2025 squad reflects both promise and transition. Twelve of the nineteen players are making their international debut on this tour, a sign of both the growing pipeline of local athletes and the impact of post-pandemic disruption on athlete retention and readiness across this age bracket. Bermuda’s rugby pathway continues to rebuild, and competitions like the RAN U19s play a critical role in developing match experience, confidence, athlete development and love for the game.
Hosted at FC Total in Querétaro for the second year, the tournament brings together national U19 squads from Bermuda, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and the USA. Games will be streamed live, with pool matches running July 9–10 (in a shortened format), followed by full-length finals on Saturday, July 12.
This year’s event also serves as a vital lead-up to the U20 Rugby Sevens Youth Pan American Games, taking place next month in Asunción, Paraguay. With several players expected to compete in both tournaments, the back-to-back international fixtures offer a valuable opportunity to build continuity, sharpen match fitness, and strengthen long-term player retention in Bermuda’s national programme.
“We’re not taking anything for granted,” said Cupidore. “Last year was a tremendous achievement for Bermuda, but every year presents new challenges. We’re here to compete, learn, and represent our island with pride.”
The Bermuda Rugby Football Union extends heartfelt thanks to CG Coralisle, whose continued sponsorship has been instrumental in enabling the team’s participation on the international stage.
Bermuda U19 National Squad – RAN XVs 2025
Forwards
Cameron Addiscot
Michael Barclay
Sam Jenkins
Jahkeel Smith
Daniel Kunst
Thomas Macloughlin
Dylan Sangster
Nyindae Smith
Asher WheddonSzaine Williams
Backs
David Barclay
Osiris Buffonge-Hunt
Matthieu Deguay
Henry Kerr
Jaden Obas-SimonsBrandon Sangster
Ramsey Soutter
Rowan Stewart
Michael TadmanCoaches: Anthony Cupidore & Chris Naylor
Team Manager: Jeff Sangster
For the full tournament schedule, as well as Bermuda’s fixtures, visit RAN’s site: https://www.americasnorth.rugby/news/schedule-and-streaming-announced-for-2025-ran-mens-u19s-tournament. The tournament will be streamed lived on RugbyPass TV (RPTV), World Rugby’s streaming platform. For regular updates on the tournament and to follow the team’s progress, follow Bermuda Rugby on Instagram and Facebook: @BermudaRugby
Scott competes in NBA Academy Games in Atlanta
Bermudian basketball talent Ralph Scott has officially commenced his participation in the prestigious 2025 NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Following his recent success at the Basketball Without Borders camp, this elite event presents a unique and significant opportunity for the young athlete to further his development.
The NBA Academy Games, running until 13th, serve as a crucial platform for top prospects. It allows players to hone their skills directly under the tutelage of NBA coaches and, more importantly, provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their talent to a vast network of scouts and coaches. Over 178 NCAA Division I coaches and scouts from 27 NBA teams are expected to be in attendance, making it a critical stepping stone for aspiring collegiate and professional players.
The event features a competitive series of games, pitting three NBA Academy teams (Global, Latin America, & Africa) against three local U.S. teams and two ‘Select’ teams comprised of top international players from outside the United States. Scott is slated to play on the highly regarded NBA Academy Select Purple team, an indication of his standing among his peers. Four girls’ teams are also participating in this highly competitive showcase.
The schedule for the week includes intensive practice sessions from July 7th to 8th, followed by a demanding series of six games from July 9th to 13th. Scott’s invitation underscores his continued development and the recognition of his potential on a global stage, following his recent MVP performance at the FIBA Basketball Without Borders Americas camp. This experience in Atlanta will be invaluable for the young Bermudian as he looks to advance his basketball career.
Beach volleyball team in action in Dominican Republic
Bermuda has officially begun its participation in the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) Under 18 Beach World Championship Qualifier. The dynamic duo of Olivia Gazzard and Sophie Weikl, flying the Bermuda flag in Group D, experienced a mixed bag of results on their opening day.
The prestigious tournament, which is a crucial pathway to the U18 Beach World Championships later this year in Doha, Qatar, kicked off yesterday on the sand courts of Juan Dolio.
Gazzard and Weikl faced a challenging start in their first match, going down 2-0 to the formidable Mexican pair of Angela Perez and Melina Roman. The Bermudians fell 21-8, 21-4 in a 25-minute battle, highlighting the high level of competition at this international qualifier.
However, the young Bermudian pair demonstrated resilience and bounced back strongly in their second outing. Gazzard and Weikl secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Cynnee´ Liburd and Cayla Jno-Baptiste from Anguilla. The Bermuda pair recorded a 30-minute win with set scores of 21-14, 21-11, showing their ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
Bermuda has been drawn into Pool D, where they will also face the USA on Day Two. Head Coach Sean Tucker and BVA Co-President Brandon Sousa have both expressed that this event is a pivotal opportunity for Olivia and Sophie to accelerate their development against top-tier international competition, providing an invaluable platform for them to gain experience, learn, and grow as athletes. Their performance will be closely watched as they aim to secure one of the top qualification spots for the U18 World Championships.
Police probing how suspect evaded arrest for two months
Jeremiah Tyrell understood to have been arrested in connection with the Legends Bar shootings; another man has also been taken into custody for allegedly aiding him
Press release:
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can confirm that Jeremiah Tyrell has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation. Officers are also actively looking into how Mr. Tyrell was able to avoid arrest for over two months and who may have assisted in his efforts to evade police.
As part of continued inquiries, on Monday, July 7, 2025, a 55-year-old man was taken into police custody on suspicion of aiding Mr. Tyrell. A residence in Hamilton Parish was searched, and several items were seized as part of that operation.
Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph, who leads the Crime Division, shared, “We are truly grateful to those members of the public who have come forward so far and assisted us. The information you provided has helped move this investigation forward in a meaningful way. I wish to remind residents that harbouring persons wanted in connection with suspected criminal activity, is a serious offence. We believe there are still individuals who have knowledge about who may have helped or sheltered Mr. Tyrell. If that’s you or someone you know, we need to hear from you.”
In case you were not aware, under section 30 (1) of the Criminal Code 1907, A person who receives, relieves or assists another person who has to his knowledge committed a felony or misdemeanour, in order to enable him to escape punishment, becomes an accessory after the fact to the felony or misdemeanour.
If you have any information, even if you think it may not be significant, you’re encouraged to contact Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns at 717-0921. Alternatively, you may call the main police line at 295-0011, the Serious Crime Unit at 247-1739, use the BPS community reporting portal https://portal.police.bm, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477.
Music video celebrates Bermuda’s beauty and culture
Jenn Marsh is a U.S.-based singer, songwriter, and dancer who’s spending the summer living and working in Bermuda.
Jenn first discovered Bermuda through the international travel organization Up With People, where she connected and made friends with Bermudians — connections that inspired her first visit to the island.
Hopkins secures 11th overall in challenging Guadeloupe race
Bermudian cyclist Kaden Hopkins, representing Uni Sport Lamentinois, has concluded his strong showing at the Coupe Frédéric Jalton, a challenging three-stage race in Guadeloupe. Hopkins finished an impressive 11th overall, clocking a combined time of 9 hours, 6 minutes, and 21 seconds. He finished 16 minutes and 39 seconds behind the overall winner, France’s Urcel Adrien, who took the yellow jersey in 8:49:42.
Hopkins demonstrated his form from the outset. Stage 1, covering a distance of 121.8km, saw him cross the line in a time of 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 26 seconds, placing him 4th. Crucially, he was awarded the same time as the stage winner, Urcel Adrien.
Stage 2 was split into two parts. The first part, a short 1.7km sprint, saw Hopkins finish 6th, stopping the clock in 2 minutes and 8 seconds. He was just 0.08 seconds behind the winner, France’s Kévin Le Cunff. Part Two of Stage 2 was a 99.8km race, where Hopkins clocked a time of 2 hours, 45 minutes, and 51 seconds, finishing 24th on the stage, 17 minutes and 37 seconds behind the stage winner, France’s Yannis Agricole.
The 3rd and Final Stage saw Hopkins deliver a truly outstanding performance, finishing 2nd in a fiercely contested sprint. He covered the 137km distance in 3 hours, 18 minutes, and 56 seconds, finishing a mere 0.32 seconds behind the stage winner, France’s Samuel Horn.
Hopkins’ strong final stage, coupled with his consistent performances throughout the demanding three days, highlights his growing strength and endurance on the international cycling circuit.
Soccer-Wales team unharmed but cancel Euro 2025 training after bus crash
Wilkinson said the crash happened near the team hotel
International News via Reuters:
Wales coach Rhian Wilkinson said her players were shaken but otherwise fine after their bus crashed on the way to Stadion St Gallen for training on Tuesday ahead of their Women’s Euro 2025 match against France.
Wilkinson, who was in a separate vehicle along with skipper Angharad James, said that the well-being of her players was the priority ahead of Wednesday’s game.
“Yeah, football is secondary and I think, yes we are shaken because we are away from the team right now knowing that they’ve had to experience that,” Wilkinson told a press conference.
“But equally we have a great group and I have been assured that everyone is fine. We have practiced for the unexpected, that’s what we can call this.
“We will check in with everyone and make sure they are all in a good spot and we can focus on the football again after that. Our priority is to get them all together and away from the scene. We’ll be checking in to make sure they all continue to be OK.”
Wilkinson said the crash happened near the team hotel.
“All passengers on the Cymru National Team bus and in the other vehicle are unharmed,” The Football Association of Wales said in a statement. “The FAW’s priority has been to remove the players from the scene and return to the Cymru training base to complete their preparations for tomorrow’s match.”
Wales, who are making their major tournament debut, lost 3-0 to the Netherlands on Saturday and are facing elimination when they play France on Wednesday.
Wales face England in the final group game.
Reporting by Lori EwingEditing by Christian Radnedge
Portugal has no favourite among 3 airlines interested in airline TAP, says minister
TAP’s most attractive assets are its key slots to Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African countries and the U.S.
International News via Reuters:
Portugal has no preferred pick among the three major European airlines that have shown interest in the flag carrier TAP, whose partial privatisation the government is due to relaunch soon, Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento said on Tuesday.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, he said that “in the coming weeks, the government will announce its decisions” regarding the terms and conditions for the planned sale of less than 50% of TAP’s capital.
“It is public knowledge that Air France, Lufthansa and IAG have expressed an interest in looking at the company and eventually making a proposal, which is obviously very positive for the country,” he told reporters.
“The winning proposal will be the one that is best for the country, we do not have any preferred partner, nor any special bias in favour of A, B or C,” he told reporters.
TAP’s most attractive assets are its key slots to Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African countries and the U.S. from its Lisbon hub, which the Portuguese government wants to maintain.
Asked whether the three major European airlines might lose enthusiasm because the government will hold a majority stake, he said: “These companies have shown a very significant interest in TAP, we will see which of them, whether all or not, will present proposals based on the privatisation conditions.”
TAP has long been earmarked for privatisation, but the process had once again stalled when the centre-right minority government collapsed in March. The coalition returned to power after a national election in May, still well short of a majority in parliament, which could block the sale of TAP.
Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; Editing by Susan Fenton
Man who helped ‘shape Bermuda’s path’ honoured
Sir John Swan’s 90th birthday marked by celebration in the city
Sir John Swan, Bermuda’s only living National Hero Photos supplied
Press release:
On July 5, the City Hall Lawn was filled with joy, music, and admiration as Bermudians gathered to honour Sir John Swan, Bermuda’s only living National Hero, on his 90th birthday.
Hosted by the Department of Culture in partnership with the City of Hamilton as part of the “Creatives Live!” series, the evening featured a performance by the Tino Martinez Quartet and heartfelt tributes to Sir John.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, shared his sentiments: “Sir John Swan’s career reflects years of public service and involvement in shaping Bermuda’s path. As he marks this milestone birthday, we acknowledge his contributions to the island’s development and the role he has played in public life.”
The evening served as both a public celebration and a platform for local talent. Attendees enjoyed a sunset concert in the heart of Hamilton, with residents and visitors alike sharing in the spirit of gratitude and pride.
UN passes climate change motion after Marshall Islands drops fossil fuels focus
The council’s decisions are not legally binding but help shape global standards
International News via Reuters:
The U.N. Human Rights Council passed a motion on climate change and human rights on Tuesday after the Marshall Islands withdrew a divisive amendment that called on states to recommit to a phase-out of fossil fuels.
The motion calling on countries “to contribute to the global efforts” against climate change passed by consensus and follows the council in 2021 recognising access to a clean and healthy environment as a fundamental right.
The original language of the motion had exposed divisions among the 47 members after the Marshall Islands, one of the countries most vulnerable to rising sea levels, made an amendment to the motion to mention exiting fossil fuels as agreed by states at the COP28 climate summit in December 2023.
“My country – like many of our Pacific neighbours – places a high premium on collaboration, dialogue and consensus and we were willing to recognise this by withdrawing our amendment,” Doreen Debrum, ambassador of the Marshall Islands to the U.N. in Geneva, told the council.
Instead, the motion referred to “the imperative of defossilizing our economies” in a footnote – allowing the motion to pass without being put to a vote in which the outcome had not been certain.
The council’s decisions are not legally binding but help shape global standards.
Oil producing countries including Saudi Arabia and voting member Kuwait had earlier voiced opposition to the phrasing in negotiations, according to three diplomats. Riyadh called instead for “multiple pathways” to reduce emissions.
There was no immediate response to Reuters’ requests for comment from Saudi Arabia’s international media offices or the foreign ministry of Kuwait. Their diplomatic missions in Geneva did not immediately respond.
Sébastien Duyck, human rights and climate campaign manager at the Center for International Environmental Law, said: “We deeply regret its (the council’s) continued failure to explicitly call for an equitable phase-out of fossil fuels — the root cause of the crisis.”
The move comes as leaders on climate action, such as the European Union, face criticism from campaigners that they are scaling back policies even as they deal with the consequences of a blistering early summer heatwave.
The U.S., which has withdrawn from climate action under President Donald Trump, did not participate formally in the vote after disengaging with the council this year.
Reporting by Emma Farge;Editing by Alison Williams
King Charles hosts Macron in first European state visit to UK since Brexit
Charles is expected to emphasise “the multitude of complex threats” both countries face in a speech
International News via Reuters:
King Charles welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to Britain on Tuesday for the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit, their warm greeting symbolising the return of closer ties between the two countries.
Macron, treated to a British state visit for the first time, enjoys a strong personal relationship with the king, and there were smiles as the pair met alongside their wives, Brigitte and Queen Camilla, and watched over by soldiers on horseback, in ceremonial uniform of blue tunics and scarlet plumes.
Charles is expected to emphasise “the multitude of complex threats” both countries face in a speech he will deliver at a state dinner at Windsor Castle later, while Macron posted on X on his arrival that “there is so much we can build together”.
Kicking off the trip in that spirit, the two countries jointly announced that French nuclear energy utility EDF would invest £1.1 billion ($1.5 billion) in a project to build a nuclear power station in eastern England.
In Windsor, accompanied by heir to the throne Prince William and his wife Princess Catherine, the group climbed into several horse-drawn carriages for a procession which finished in the medieval castle’s courtyard, west of London.
Since Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s centre-left Labour Party swept back to power last year, Britain has been trying to reset ties with its European allies, and Charles will help set the tone of Macron’s visit before the political talks get underway.
“Our two nations share not only values, but also the tireless determination to act on them in the world,” the 76-year-old monarch, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, will say at the banquet later.
While Macron’s three-day trip is filled with talks on economic issues and foreign affairs, the first day of the state visit, which comes 16 years after the late Queen Elizabeth hosted then French president Nicolas Sarkozy, is largely focused on pageantry, and heavy in symbolism.
The monarch’s right eye was noticeably red when he met Macron. A Buckingham Palace source said he had suffered a burst blood vessel in one eye which was unrelated to any other health condition.
Macron is due to address the British parliament in central London later on Tuesday before heading back to Windsor Castle for the state dinner, where he and the king will speak before some 150 guests.
“It’s wonderful that we’re going down the path of welcoming European leaders once again,” Alastair King, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, who will host a banquet in Macron’s honour on Wednesday, told Reuters.
MIGRANTS DEAL
Later in his trip, Macron and Starmer’s discussions will focus on a range of issues, including how to stop people-smuggling and improve economic and defence ties at a time when the United States is retrenching from its traditional role as a defender of European security.
Although there have been tensions over the shape of post-Brexit ties and how to stop asylum seekers from crossing the Channel in small boats, Britain and France have been working closely together to create a planned military force to support Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
British officials are hoping that Macron will agree to a pilot of an asylum seekers’ returns deal. This would involve Britain deporting one asylum seeker to France in exchange for another with a legitimate case to be in Britain, thereby disrupting the business model of people-smuggling gangs.
A record number of asylum seekers have arrived in Britain on small boats from France in the first six months of this year.
Starmer, whose party is trailing behind Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party in the polls, is under pressure to come up with a solution.
France has previously refused to sign up to such an agreement, saying Britain should negotiate an arrangement with all EU countries.
Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, Sarah Young and Elizabeth Pineau; additional reporting by Alistair SmoutEditing by Alison Williams, Andrew Heavens and Gareth Jones
