By DAHALIA SMITH, NG Sports Reporter, dahalia@nasguard.com -

It is well known in the rugby community that Bahamas Rugby and Football Union (BRFU) members support each other in times of need. In this light, the BRFU saw it fitting to stage its traditional Christmas tournament in memory of Paul Johnstone set for this Wednesday, December 26 at the Winton Rubgy Pitch, with all proceeds going towards Frank Johnson's medical expenses.

At least eight teams are expected to play in this Christmas tournament which is set to kick off at 12 noon with registration taking place at 11:00 a.m. The registration fee is $30 while the entrance fee stands at $3. According to BRFU executive Elystan Miles, this tournament will give BRFU team members a chance to play on different teams. The tournament will also give college students or rugby players living abroad a chance to participate.

"This tournament will be held in remembrance of Paul Johnstone, a great rugby player and even greater person. Each year the Johnstones present the winners of the tournament with a Paul Johnstone Trophy, a special moment every time. Our goal is to get eight teams out this year, we have a lot of young players to make up lots of teams, there is no club affiliation and mixing is encouraged. It's a chance to play with other rugby players instead of sticking with your regular teammates," said Miles. Matches played in this tournament will not count toward the win/loss record. The last regular season match of the year was played on the weekend between the Cuckoos and Baillou.

Meanwhile, the win/loss standings in the Stella Artois Bahamas Cup and the SG Hambros Nassau Cup are in. The difference between the two Cup leagues are that all of the rugby teams in The Bahamas participate in the Bahamas Cup while only New Providence based teams play in the Nassau Cup.

The most recent standings in the Stella Artois Bahamas Cup has Freeport Rugby Club leading with an undefeated record in two matches and a total of eight points. Baillou is second at 1-0 with a total of three points, the Cuckoos third at 0-1 with no points, and Buccaneers fourth at 0-2 with no points.

Meanwhile, the standings in the SG Hambros Nassau Cup has Baillou first at 2-2 with 10 points, Cuckoos second with 10 points and a 3-0 record, the Buccaneers third at 0-2 with one point, and the Cracked Conchs fourth at 0-1 with no points. Baillou is in first place over the Cuckoos because the team won extra points from playing against the Cracked Conchs, a traveling master's team, according to Miles.

In related news, two Bahamians were named to the Rugby West Indies team which will compete at the International Rugby Board's (IRB) Sevens World Series tournament in San Diego in February 2008. The two Bahamians are Jeremico Cooper and Giovanni Rolle who will serve as one of the reserves.

This is Cooper's second time being named to the West Indies squad. The first time was two years ago. Last year Androsian Devon 'Dan' Woodside made the cut for the team. Kevin Salabie was the first Bahamian to be named to the prestigious West Indies team. Cooper and Rolle were named to the team based on their stellar performances at the recent North America and West Indies Rugby Association (NAWIRA) Sevens tournament held at the Winton Rugby Pitch last month.