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Jamaica UK National Rugby 7s team bask in Tropical Sun

WORLD CUP BOUND: Jamaica's Rugby 7s team

IN preparation for another sizzling summer of sun and sport, world food pioneers, Tropical Sun are proud to announce its sponsorship of the Jamaica UK National Rugby 7s team who are affectionately known as the UK Reggae Crocs.

Tropical Sun marketing manager Julz Davis said: “Jamaica is renowned for its cool runnings, reggae and rum, rather than ruck and a scrum, so as the first ever Caribbean country to have qualified for the Rugby 7s World Cup in 2018, this is an amazing achievement.”

More recently at the Hong Kong 7s tournament, the Crocs have tested themselves against some of the best teams in the world.

Battle-hardened, they are now back in the UK and ready to ruck and roll as part of their next big push towards qualifying for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

In this regard, their next big tournament is a must win game at the 2019 Rugby North America Sevens from July 6 -7 at George Town in the Cayman Islands.

The Jamaica UK National Rugby 7s team manager Hughton Campbell, acknowledges the hard work that has gone into developing the team which is made-up of both UK based players with Jamaican heritage, as well as Jamaican nationals.

Hughton said: “With no dedicated rugby pitches in Jamaica, Rugby 7s on the island is in its infancy. Recruiting players from the UK has been crucial to developing the sport with a group of readymade and hungry players.

“We are grateful to be collaborating with Tropical Sun who have provided invaluable resources to help sustain and grow our Jamaica grassroots work”

About the sponsorship, Julz added: “The majority of our Tropical Sun Caribbean products are produced in St. Catherine's, Jamaica and feature a 'Proud To Be Made in Jamaica' badge on the packaging.

“Using some of our authentic Jamaican products we have created a scrumptious set of recipes to aid recovery and performance during and after games and to help boost training.

“These recipes include a Crocfast (Croc breakfast) that uses our hand-picked ackees, which is the national fruit of Jamaica and its national dish, ackee and saltfish.”

Research shows that ackee is a super-food packed with a range of essential vitamins and nutrients that contributes towards boosting protein power, stamina and bone strength.

Other products that feature in the Crocfast includes the Great Taste award-winning Jamaican Jerk Seasoning and Scotch Bonnet Sauce. Julz said: “From our wider range of world foods we have created a nutritious and non-alcoholic Croctail (cocktail).

“We’ve used our 100% natural Coconut Water to design a naturally refreshing smoothie that rehydrates and replenishes energy as a post-work out beverage.

“Also, our Coconut Water on its own will be used to help re-energise the players during their competitive tournaments and games which form part of their UK tour and push for qualifying for the next Olympics.”

Based in Waltham Forest, the London borough of Culture, Tropical Sun will officially launch its sponsorship on May 3. At the launch there will be opportunities to meet members of the team, hear from high profile guest speakers.

Following on from the launch Tropical Sun will be continuing its partnership with the Angel Foundation to help raise funds for its charitable work.

Its founder Angel Christine said: “We are very excited about the partnership with Tropical Sun who are planning to auction a limited-edition rugby shirt that’s been signed by the players.

“All funds raised at our black-tie gala event on May 4 will go towards the IT suites at Stoney Hill School in Kingston, Jamaica.”
Over the summer you can catch both the Crocs and Tropical Sun at Europe’s largest festival of music and sport, the Bournemouth 7s (May 25-26).

Then on May 27, the Crocs will be making a guest appearance at the Afro Hair & Beauty Live to show off their tackling skills, at Europe’s largest celebration of beauty, fashion and lifestyle for women of colour.

Also, Tropical Sun plan to mark the 67th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence in August by linking up the rugby team with schools based in Central Village Jamaica.

Visit: www.tropicalsunfoods.com/JamaicaUKRugby7s or #TryTropicalSun.

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