The Westin family rugby dynasty in the Cayman Islands has been well documented, but now their prowess in the sport has led to tying a Guinness world record.
Five Westin brothers (Matthew, 23; Paul, 29; Edward, 33; Joseph, 37; and Shane, 40) earlier this month played a test match against Bermuda at which they contributed to a 44-12 victory, but they also tied the Guinness world record for most siblings to play in a rugby union international match.
“It is awesome to be able to play rugby with my brothers, and [for all of us to] play for the national team and represent our country together is even better,” Edward Westin told the Compass.
The record was first set in April 2014, according to an article on the Guinness World Records website, which stated that five brothers played for Slovenia against Bulgaria in the European Nations Cup Division Two match at Park Siska, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The article noted that all five brothers finished the game on the winning side as Slovenia defeated Bulgaria 43-17, with two of the five siblings contributing to the score.
As for the Caymanian brothers, Paul, Shane, Edward started the match. At halftime against the Bermudians, Shane was subbed off and, during the second half, Joseph and Matthew made their appearance on the field. However, for Matthew, who was making his XVs debut, his time on the field was short lived after he suffered a dislocated shoulder.
Shane was subbed back on toward the end of the match and finished the game alongside Joseph, Edward, and Paul.
Edward, who has the most XVs international caps among the brothers, at 15, added the game was easy for the siblings, saying, “We know each other’s style of play and we play well together on the field.”
All five brothers play for the Queensgate Pigs Trotters in the Cayman Rugby men’s league as well as for the Team Westin squad in the local 7s series.
The other Westin brother, Mark, and sisters Kathleen and Elizabeth also play rugby, with Elizabeth hoping to get her first international cap next year with the women’s team.
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