Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Led by Sebastian Díaz, Mexico hosted and defeated Jamaica on Saturday. Las Serpientes were 37-22 winners at Estadio Tapatio Mendez in Mexico City. The match was a Rugby Americas North (RAN) Men’s XV Semi Final. In winning, Mexico successfully advance to the Final.
The RAN Men’s XV’s Finals were determined by results from 2024. Mexico vs Jamaica was the North Semi final while the South Semifinal will take place in Port of Spain with Trinidad & Tobago at home against Barbados on May 31. The winner will face Mexico in the Men’s XV Final in June.
Mexico defeated the Cayman Islands 45-14 in December 2024 and 20-10 in June 2024. The two matches account formed for 50% of Las Serpientes’ test matches since the pandemic. In fact, all four of Mexico’s matches between the pandemic and Saturday’s match against Jamaica were against the Cayman Islands.
Mexico and RAN as a whole were excluded from Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Only Canada and the USA are involved and will compete in the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup. This came as part of World Rugby reducing the number of participants despite expanding the Rugby World Cup from 20 to 24 teams for Australia 2027.
Changes for 2026 will see the RAN Men’s XV comprised of three Tiers. It will be used to implement a new model for Rugby World Cup 2031 Qualifiers. RWC 2031 will be played in the USA. It marks the first time that the Western Hemisphere will host the event.
In short, 2026 ought to see improved structures and opportunities in place. Before Mexico’s home win ove Jamaica, the Cayman Islands took to the field, claiming a 48-17 victory over Guyana.
Upcoming RAN Men’s XV’s international competition features two further test matches in May. Two matches will take place on May 17. The Bahamas play host to Bermuda while Barbados will be at home against Guyana. In June, the Cayman Islands take-on Bermuda while St. Lucia are to face St. Vincent & the Grenadines on a yet to be confirmed date.
