The Garrison Savannah, usually a spot for the sport of kings, was transformed into a festival for rugby, as the inaugural Digicel-sponsored North America/West Indies Rugby Association's seven-a-side tournament started.

From the start, Barbados showed why they are champs of the Caribbean, while a team from the United States stamped its authority in women's competition. However, Jamaica's female players showed they have the heart of champions by impressing.

Rugby has been brought to the fore in recent months, especially after Barbados became kings of the Caribbean and, according to tournament co-ordinator Bob Showan, this two-day tournament is sure to give the sport a fresh face and increase its popularity.

The tournament is seven-a-side for a reason, since the world governing body for rugby believes that is where the strength of Caribbean teams lies.

"The International Rugby Board has said the way forward for Caribbean rugby would be in the seven-a-side game, and as such it is behind a West Indies seven on the world scene," Showan told the SUNDAY SUN between pool-games played yesterday.

Higher standard

"We've got very good teams from the United States and Mexico, whose standard is way above most of the teams here, but the sides from the region have held their own for the most part," Showan added.

One of those teams was Barbados men's squad who showed what they had to offer with a 36-5 demolition of the Dominica Republic yesterday.

In the women's tournament, the United States were dominating and are easily the best team on show. Teams from around the Caribbean have held their own, especially Jamaica and Guyana.

In other men's action yesterday, Trinidad also looked very impressive, as did Jamaica and Guyana. Trinidad beat an outclassed Dominican Republic 62-7, Guyana beat the Cayman Islands 43-0, and Jamaica shut out St Lucia 50-0.

Pool matches were expected to be played at 8 p.m. under floodlights yesterday, so the four semi-final teams were unavailable. The action is expected to heat up today, with semi-final action scheduled to kick-off at 5 p.m.

Showcase talent

According to Showan, this tournament will not only strengthen the sport of rugby throughout the Caribbean, but also give regional players a chance to showcase their talent on the world stage.

"We have some very good rugby players in the Caribbean, and even though the teams from the United States have shown they are better, players from teams like Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad have shown they have what it takes to play at the highest level."

Showan said that after this tournament, a special squad will be chosen from the various island nations to represent the West Indies in their first overseas tournament for 2006, the Los Angeles Sevens, slated for February 14 to 16.

This weekend's tournament is the largest sevens tournament ever held in the Caribbean, having attracted over 250 players from 14 countries.