USVI PRIVATEERS RUGBY UNION

After nearly a decade of silence, rugby is back in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The USVI Privateers officially returned to competitive play on June 6th, 2026, traveling to Road Town, British Virgin Islands to face the BVI Senior Squad in their first match back.

It was never going to be easy stepping back onto the pitch after 10 years away, and the Privateers knew that going in. The BVI side came out strong, putting up 50 points in the first half to a scoreless Privateers squad still finding their feet. But the second half told a different story. The lads dug in, found their shape, and fought back to put 12 on the board while holding BVI to 19. Progress, pride, and plenty of fire left in the tank.

For many players it was their first competitive rugby experience. For others, it was a long-awaited return. Every single one of them came off that pitch hungry for more. The result reflects where we are right now, and that is exactly what makes the journey worth watching.

The Privateers are not here to just show up. They are here to build, grow, and compete. With a rematch against the BVI already on the schedule for July, the squad is training hard and learning fast. The islands have rugby again. This is only the beginning.