- Women’s event to include hosts Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Wales, Australia, Fiji and Kenya
- Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Jamaica, Scotland, Fiji and South Africa to compete in the men’s competition
- Australia women and Samoa men return as defending champions from 2017 edition in The Bahamas
- Rugby sevens to feature at Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games 6-8 August, 2023
For the first time in more than six years, some of the finest young rugby sevens athletes from around the globe will have the chance to go for gold as today The Commonwealth Games (CGF) announced the nations selected for the team sports events at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, taking place in the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago from 4-11 August.
Rugby sevens will take place at Shaw Park Cultural Complex 6-8 August on the island of Tobago and will be contested by Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Jamaica, Scotland, Fiji and South Africa in the men’s competition. Samoa defeated England 10-5 to win the gold medal in Nassau, Bahamas in 2017, while Fiji won the bronze medal 28-14 over Canada.
In the women’s competition, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Wales, Fiji and Kenya will take on defending champions Australia, who defeated Canada to win gold in 2017. Wales defeated Fiji at the Queen Elizabeth Sporting Complex to claim bronze.
This year’s tournament marks the seventh Commonwealth Youth Games dating back to the original event taking place in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2000. Rugby sevens made its debut at the IV edition on the Isle of Man in 2011.
Trinidad and Tobago were initially awarded the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games in June 2019, but the Games were postponed due to the impact of the pandemic on the international sport calendar.
World Rugby Chief Executive Officer Alan Gilpin said: “The Commonwealth Youth Games is an invaluable opportunity for the future stars and leaders of rugby sevens to experience high-level and meaningful competition while also experiencing and sharing the values of sport through a historic multi-sport event. We have seen gold medal winners from this tournament go on to win medals in the Olympics and on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, and I would like to wish all of the athletes, staff and officials all the best in their preparations as they get set for kick off in August.”
CGF President, Dame Louise Martin, commented: “We are thrilled to unveil the nations competing in the team sports at Trinbago 2023. The Beach Volleyball, FAST5 Netball and Rugby Sevens competitions are set to be highly competitive, with nations from across the Commonwealth vying for gold. It will be an unforgettable, inspiring experience for the young athletes involved and an opportunity for fans to see the stars of the future.”
Trinbago 2023 will see more than 1,000 athletes and para athletes, between the ages of 14-18, from the 72 nations and territories, participate in a total of seven sports - Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics and Para Athletics, Cycling (Road Race, Time Trial and Track) and Triathlon, as well as FAST5 Netball, Rugby Sevens and Beach Volleyball.
To learn more about Trinbago 2023:Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games (commonwealthsport.com)
Rugby Sevens - Women's Teams:
Trinidad & Tobago
Canada
Wales
Australia
Fiji
Kenya
Rugby Sevens - Men's Teams:
Trinidad & Tobago
Canada
Jamaica
Scotland
Fiji
South Africa