Medical Student Spearheads Touch Rugby Initiative in Antigua

Omar Rasool, a student at the University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA), is making significant strides in promoting touch rugby in Falmouth and surrounding communities. The Ireland native, who arrived in Antigua in January, envisions growing this sport throughout the twin-island nation.

Since his arrival, Rasool has been organizing regular rugby scrimmages in Falmouth. His ambitious goal is to involve the entire country, with hopes of eventually seeing Antigua and Barbuda represented in regional and international competitions.

“We’re starting with a local expat and foreigner community playing socially,” Rasool explained. “Touch rugby is easier to introduce, especially for younger people in schools who might be hesitant about contact rugby. We host weekly get-togethers on Thursday nights in Falmouth for about an hour-and-a-half. From this, we hope to create an Antiguan rugby team and see where the future leads.”

Speaking on the Good Morning Jojo sports show, Rasool, also an avid cricketer, expressed encouragement at the response so far. He aims to build momentum towards hosting more structured events.

“During the off-season, we get about 10 to 15 players on Thursday nights. But when the yachting season begins and the ‘yachties’ arrive, our numbers can swell to around 40 players. We then split into four teams, fostering a sense of community,” he elaborated.

Rasool, who plans to stay in Antigua until December 2025, emphasized the ongoing process of educating young players about the game. He also revealed plans for a tour in the near future.

“Some of our long-term residents have introduced rugby to local school students, and the response has been positive. People are intrigued by this oval ball being thrown backwards. We’re planning a tour at the year’s end to visit another Caribbean island with an established rugby setup,” Rasool shared.

This initiative not only introduces a new sport to Antigua but also promotes community engagement and international cultural exchange, showcasing how sports can bridge diverse communities.