Rugby in SVG Receives Significant Boost from International Organisation

Executive Members of the SVG Rugby Union being photographed at the handing over event with Resident British Commissioner to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Geoffrey Patton (5th from left), Businessman and Former Rugby player Mr. Kelly Glass (3rd from left), and a member of the Department of Sport (6th from left).

By Admin. Updated 7:06 a.m., Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

An international organisation has donated new and recycled rugby equipment to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Rugby Union.

The donation was made by SOS Kit Aid through the efforts of the British High Commission in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Members of the SVG Rugby Union received the equipment during a handover event at the Blue Lagoon in Ratho Mill on 10 June.

The items donated include rugby balls, protective gear, uniforms, and other apparel.

President of the SVG Rugby Union, Mr Dellon Durrant, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying the “donation will actually help our growing efforts because, you know, we’re a growing sport and we’re not financially stable in the sense that we don’t have the pockets”.

“So this is a tremendous boost to us and having received the kits, we promise to put them to good use and make the best out of them,” Mr Durrant added.

He noted that some of the equipment arrived just in time for the organisation’s planned children’s summer camp, stating, “Because they have like shorts, tops and stuff like bibs and it will come in useful for them during the summer camp.” He also said, “The other stuff, they actually have like size four balls and stuff like that,” adding that some of the gear will be donated to schools across the island under a programme aimed at introducing rugby to more schools.

Mr Durrant explained that the remainder of the kits will be distributed to clubs, which will use them as they see fit for training purposes as well as for their local league games.

The SVG Rugby Union has approximately 190 members spread across four clubs throughout the country. The four active clubs are Pirates Rugby Club, Central Sharks Rugby Club, Leeward Invaders Rugby Club, and Jagons Old Boys Rugby Club.

Resident British Commissioner to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Geoffrey Patton, said: “We’re here not just to hand over sports kit but to pass on opportunity, encouragement, and the spirit of rugby”.

“Thanks to the incredible work of SOS Kit Aid and the generous support of schools, clubs and individuals across the UK, we’re delivering more than just equipment here today, we’re delivering possibility. These kits will empower young people to play, to grow and to dream,” he added.

“Sport has the power to transform lives; it teaches discipline, teamwork and resilience, rugby more so than most, and through this donation we’re helping to build healthy communities, strong friendships, and a brighter future,” he continued, noting that the initiative also has an “environmental impact”.

“By reusing and recycling, we’re not only supporting young athletes but also protecting our planet, saving over one and a half thousand tonnes of CO2 emissions so far, that’s what SOS Kit Aid estimates,” he added.

“With the support of World Rugby, SOS Kit Aid distributes second-hand and unused new rugby kits to disadvantaged youngsters all over the globe,” SOS Kit Aid states on its website.

“But SOS Kit Aid is more than just a charity which recycles sports kit. Through our network of relationships, we harness the power of rugby and sport to make a positive impact on young people’s lives through sporting activities that promote healthy lifestyles, life skills, and friendship,” the organisation added.

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