Jonathan Cassidy, a former West Indies Sevens standout from the 1990s, says it’s a “deep honour” to return to the regional rugby programme, this time in a leadership capacity, as manager of the men’s team for the upcoming Tropical Sevens tournament.
"I am deeply honoured and proud to have been appointed as West Indies men’s team manager for the Tropical Sevens tournament. This role holds a special place in my heart, as it comes 25 years after I had the incredible privilege of being selected in the first West Indies rugby team as a player," said Cassidy, who also serves as Bermuda’s Director of Sevens Rugby.
"The memories of playing for West Indies are etched in my mind, competing alongside the best players from across the region, achieving success in Hong Kong, South America, Europe, and the UK, and, most importantly, forging lifelong friendships," he added.
Cassidy’s return comes at a historic moment for West Indies Rugby, which has officially announced both men’s and women’s squads for the 2025 Tropical Sevens, set for April 18–19 in Tampa, Florida. This is the first time the regional body will field both senior elite men’s and women’s teams at the prestigious international tournament.
The men’s team will be led by Jamaica’s Ronaldeni Fraser, a dynamic playmaker known for his pace and tactical flair. He will be joined by a strong lineup of players from across the Caribbean and diaspora, including Daniel Ramsay (Barbados), Hadleigh Tucker, Jahniko Francis (Bermuda), Godfrey Broomes, Lionel Holder, Owen Adonis, Tyrese Prescod (Guyana), Matteo Cherwayko, Jerrell Vincent, Shaydon Delaney (Trinidad & Tobago), Vallon Adams (USA-based), and Kyan Cherwayko (reserve).
Meanwhile, the women’s team, captained by seasoned Jamaican player Veronica Blair, also features a blend of experience and emerging talent. Vice-captain Leah Kintiba of Trinidad and Tobago will support a squad that includes Corrie Cross, Najee Pitt-Clarke (Bermuda), Carrin Carter (Guyana), Aniya Smith, Mercedes Coles, Morgan Brown, Naomi Dodd (Jamaica), St Lucia's Mary Roberts, Shammah Philgencet, Renetta Reynold, and Nathalia Cadiz (Trinidad & Tobago, reserve)
Coaching duties will be shared by Wayne Pantor (Trinidad & Tobago/St. Vincent), Jerome Poon Tip (Trinidad & Tobago), and assistant coach Chantel John (St. Lucia).
The Tropical Sevens will feature elite youth and senior teams from around the globe. The West Indies men’s team will face stiff competition in the Senior Men’s Elite division, with matchups against Crewmen Rugby, Boston Rugby Select, Black Goats, Great Danes Select, Pirates 7s (Canada), and Saratoga Jockeys.
On the women’s side, the Windies are set to take on teams including the H.E.B. Lady Hurricanes, Phoenix Rugby 7s, Macdowell Rugby (Canada), NAV 7s, Magandaquins Rugby, Chicago Lions, and Atlantis.
West Indies Rugby also expressed its appreciation to lead sponsor Coralisle Group.
“CG Insurance operates in all of the individual countries represented by West Indies, and we trust that our shared values will align for a mutually beneficial, long-term partnership."