Pelican Rugby Academy claims three Caricoast 7s titles

Last weekend the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain turned into a bustling arena of youthful energy as the Caricoast 7s Youth Rugby Competition 2026 unfolded. While the event attracted ten Trinidadian clubs, it was the Barbadian side, Pelican Rugby Academy, that stole the limelight, clinching three division titles and leaving a lasting impression on the Caribbean rugby scene. The triumphs of the under‑16 boys, under‑16 girls and under‑18 boys not only highlight the depth of talent nurtured on the island of Barbados but also underscore the growing importance of regional youth sport as a conduit for community pride and cross‑island camaraderie.

Pelican Rugby’s Triple Crown of Victory

The most striking headline from the tournament was Pelican Rugby Academy’s clean sweep of three division crowns. In a field that saw ten local Trinidadian clubs vying for honours, the Barbadian contingent emerged on top in the under‑16 boys, under‑16 girls and under‑18 boys categories. This achievement reflects a well‑structured development programme at Pelican, where coaching, conditioning and a strong sense of team spirit converge to produce results on the field.

What makes the feat even more impressive is the under‑16 boys’ unbeaten run throughout the competition. Going undefeated in a knockout format demands consistency, discipline and the ability to adapt to varying opposition styles. The boys’ flawless record not only secured the title but also sent a clear message to their Caribbean peers about the calibre of Barbadian youth rugby.

Collaboration Across Islands: Joint Teams and Shared Success

Beyond the pure victories, the tournament showcased a spirit of collaboration that is increasingly common in Caribbean sport. The under‑16 girls from Pelican joined forces with Sepos Rugby Club, a local Trinidadian side, to claim first place in their division. Similarly, the under‑18 boys partnered with San Juan Rugby Club to finish atop their bracket. These joint ventures illustrate how islands can pool resources, share coaching expertise and give young athletes broader exposure to competitive play.

Such alliances also serve a practical purpose. By combining squads, clubs can field full teams when numbers are thin, ensuring that promising players do not miss out on valuable tournament experience. For the players involved, the chance to train and compete alongside peers from another island fosters cultural exchange and builds friendships that extend beyond the pitch.

The Role of the Caricoast 7s in Regional Development

The Caricoast 7s Youth Rugby Competition has become a cornerstone event for nurturing emerging talent across the Caribbean. Its 7‑a‑side format, faster and more open than the traditional 15‑a‑side game, encourages skillful ball handling, speed and tactical ingenuity—attributes that are essential for modern rugby. By rotating the host venue between islands, the tournament also spreads the economic and social benefits of sport, drawing spectators, families and local businesses into the fold.

For Trinidad and Tobago, hosting the 2026 edition at the historic Queen’s Park Savannah reinforced the nation’s reputation as a hub for regional sport. The venue, known for its vibrant carnival atmosphere, provided a fitting backdrop for a competition that celebrates youthful exuberance and Caribbean unity.

Impact on the Community: From the Pitch to the Streets

Success on the field often reverberates through the wider community. In Barbados, the triumphs of Pelican Rugby Academy have already sparked celebrations in schools and community centres, where young aspiring players look up to the under‑16 and under‑18 squads as role models. The visibility of these achievements helps to counter the narrative of limited opportunities for youth in the region, offering a constructive outlet for energy and ambition.

Similarly, in Trinidad, the presence of a strong overseas competitor has motivated local clubs to raise their standards. The competitive pressure generated by Pelican’s performances can lead to increased investment in coaching, better training facilities and more structured youth pathways, ultimately raising the overall standard of Caribbean rugby.

Gender Inclusion and the Rise of Girls’ Rugby

The joint victory of Pelican’s under‑16 girls with Sepos Rugby Club signals a growing emphasis on women’s participation in a sport traditionally dominated by men. While the article does not provide detailed statistics on the number of female players, the fact that a girls’ division exists and that it attracted enough interest to form combined teams indicates a positive trend toward gender inclusion.

Encouraging girls to take up rugby aligns with broader regional initiatives to promote women’s sport, offering them the same benefits of teamwork, discipline and physical fitness enjoyed by their male counterparts. The success of the under‑16 girls at the Caricoast 7s will likely inspire more schools and clubs to develop girls’ programmes, contributing to a more balanced sporting landscape across the Caribbean.

Logistics of the Barbadian Squad: Numbers and Age Range

The Pelican delegation comprised twenty‑three boys and girls, ranging in age from twelve to eighteen. This age spread reflects a developmental pipeline that nurtures talent from early adolescence through the cusp of senior competition. By fielding athletes across multiple age brackets, Pelican ensures continuity and provides a clear progression route for its players.

Managing a squad of this size for an overseas tournament involves careful planning—securing travel, accommodation and equipment, as well as ensuring that the young athletes receive appropriate medical and nutritional support. The smooth execution of these logistics speaks to the organisational capacity of Pelican Rugby Academy and its commitment to giving its players the best possible environment to thrive.

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects for Caribbean Youth Rugby

With the 2026 Caricoast 7s now behind us, the question turns to what lies ahead for the sport in the region. The successes of Pelican Rugby Academy provide a blueprint for other islands seeking to elevate their youth programmes: invest in coaching education, foster partnerships with neighbouring clubs and prioritise regular competition exposure.

Moreover, the collaborative model demonstrated by the under‑16 girls and under‑18 boys teams could become a staple of future tournaments, allowing smaller islands to field competitive sides without compromising on player development. As the Caribbean continues to grapple with economic challenges and the need for youth engagement, sport—particularly rugby with its emphasis on respect, discipline and teamwork—offers a constructive avenue for building resilient, confident young citizens.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: CBC Barbados; cbc.bb; Global1.News (15 October 2026).

By Sharon Sahatoo, Staff Writer