With just under two months to go until the 2018 Rugby Americas North Sevens lands in Barbados, tournament organizers welcome RTEK Services Limited as this year’s title sponsor, as well as announce 23 international teams to take part in the annual competition.
Local entities have been stepping up in big ways to support the international tournament that takes place September 22nd and 23rd, 2018. For the first time, the Barbados Polo Club, in Holders Hill, St. James, will host rugby in the prestigious facility. RAN Sevens is only the second sport outside of polo to have access to the facility. Business interest in the event is also strong, with Barbados’ Tourism Development Corporation, Banks (Barbados) Breweries Limited and Infra Rentals signed on as supporting sponsors. RTEK Services Limited has been named the title sponsor, with exclusive naming rights to this year’s competition.
Commenting on the new partnership, RTEK Services Managing Director Nik Lashley said:
“RTEK Services Limited is proud to partner with the Barbados Rugby Football Union and RAN in sponsorship of the RTEK RAN Sevens this September here in Barbados. As the exclusive local representative of global brands such as Mitsubishi Electric and Distech Controls, RTEK is excited to partner with organizations that place an emphasis on team effort, dedication, honesty and hard work. We are honored to be on board as the Title Partner for this event and look forward to it being a successful tournament for all participating teams. Good Luck to all.”
The title sponsorship, a first for RAN, highlights the growing appeal of the sevens game globally, and the exposure both locally and around the world that the annual RAN Sevens tournament has received.
“The Barbados Rugby Football Union is honoured to once again be entrusted with the hosting of the RAN Sevens,” said George Nicholson, Tournament Coordinator. “We are pleased to have the support of the Tourism Development Corporation once more, and even more pleased to have RTEK Services Limited on board as our Title Partner. The Barbadian private sector has really shown their support for the event, with the Barbados Polo Club agreeing to lease us their Holder’s Hill facility for the tournament, and Infra Rentals Ltd and Banks Beer all on board in a big way. The BRFU is committed to showcasing the diversity of Barbados’ Sports Tourism offerings, and their support has allowed us to take the sport of rugby forward once again.”
This year’s international competition will be a Men’s and Women’s qualifier for the 2019 Pan American Games, and 2019 Hong Kong Sevens. Niall Brooks, RAN General Manager, has been organizing the decade-old tournament for many years and noted the yearly increase in competition and exposure for the sport:
“The 2018 RTEK RAN Sevens promises to be a thoroughly enjoyable tournament for all the teams, players, and spectators, especially with the event being held at the Holders Hill Polo fields. The layout and facility offerings will make it a unique experience for all. With 14 Men’s teams and 9 women’s teams taking part, from all over the Caribbean and Mexico, there promises to be some exciting match ups, as well as old and new rivalries to entertain and look forward to.”
RAN Sevens was last held in Mexico City, Mexico, with the 2016 tournament taking place in Trinidad & Tobago. All matches of the 2018 RAN Sevens tournament will be streamed live on RAN’s Youtube channel. Fans can also follow updates using the hashtag #RAN7s on Facebook and Twitter. The event page for the tournament can be found at www.rugbyamericasnorth.com/ran7s.
2018 RTEK RAN Sevens Teams 
Men (14):
Barbados
St. Lucia
Cayman Islands
British Virgin Islands
Mexico
Guyana
Jamaica
Guadeloupe
Curacao
Dominican Republic
St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Trinidad & Tobago
Bermuda
Turks & Caicos Islands
Women (9):
Barbados
St. Lucia
Bahamas
Mexico
Guyana
Jamaica
Curacao
Dominican Republic
Trinidad & Tobago
