The Atlantis 7s program will be sending a men’s team and a women’s team to the Howler 7s in Havana, Cuba in just over a week’s time.

This will be the first-ever women’s international rugby event in Cuba, a cause for great pride for Cuban-born Atlantis founder Emil Signes.

“I was there in September and spent a few days working with some of the women,” Signes told RUGBYMag.com. “It's so difficult for them. Half (that I worked with) are in Havana; the other half several hours away. They have very little resources, but they've been practicing since the summer, as much as they can. The men, too.” 

Signes, Dave McPhail, Deb Archambault, Ray Cornbill and Aileen Killen will all work on staff for the two Atlantis teams, made up of all-star 7s players from around the country.

Atlantis has traditionally been a jumping-off point for players trying to make the national 7s team. Touring under mentors such as Signes and Cornbill certainly couldn’t hurt, and the experience has helped get many a player a national team look.

The teams set to go to Cuba are a mix of experience and youth.