OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham Lords women's rugby alum Shay Morris has added another milestone to her decorated rugby career, helping Jamaica capture a historic bronze medal in women's rugby sevens at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The medal marks Jamaica's first-ever podium finish in women's rugby sevens at the CAC Games since the sport was introduced in 2014.
Morris played an important role throughout the tournament as Jamaica battled through a competitive field. The squad opened with a 29-10 victory over Costa Rica before earning a 14-14 draw against Guatemala, highlighted by a standout performance from Morris. She led Jamaica with nine points in the match, scoring a try while converting both of her kicks.
Jamaica also recorded victories over the host Dominican Republic during pool play and again in the bronze medal match, defeating the hosts 24-7 to secure the bronze medal.
The achievement adds another chapter to an outstanding career for the former Lord, who competed at Durham College from 2021 through 2024 and helped establish one of the most successful eras that any team has had in DC history.
After earning an OCAA silver medal during her rookie campaign in 2021, Morris helped lead the Lords to three consecutive OCAA championships from 2022 through 2024.
Her individual accomplishments at Durham were equally impressive. As a rookie, she was named an OCAA Championship All-Star and Durham College Women's Rugby Rookie of the Year. In 2022, she put together one of the finest seasons in program history, earning OCAA Player of the Year, OCAA Scoring Champion, OCAA League All-Star and OCAA Championship MVP honours while also being recognized as Durham College's 'Margaret Greenley' Overall Female Athlete of the Year and the team's Most Valuable Player.
Morris continued to be recognized among the province's elite in each of her final two seasons, earning OCAA League All-Star honours in 2023 before adding another League All-Star selection and OCAA Championship MVP award in 2024.
Her latest accomplishment on the international stage continues a remarkable rugby journey and adds another point of pride for the Durham Lords program, as one of its alumni helped Jamaica make history with its first women's rugby sevens medal at the CAC Games.
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