Game's On
Bermuda's World Rugby Classic draws senior superstars from around the globe

By Neil Redburn

Only a few years ago, rugby conjured images of overgrown schoolboys who had to juggle a day job if they wished to indulge in their favourite sport. Now rugby's in the mainstream. After a spectacular 2003 World Cup in Australia, the game is generating unprecedented media coverage, not to mention a slew of pin-up pros.

In Bermuda, rugby's roots go deep. The sport always has been a favourite here - and for good reasons. If you were fortunate enough to live in Bermuda from the late 1970s to the early '90s, you had the opportunity to watch the greatest names in the game at the height of their careers - and then rub shoulders with them in a pub after the match.

In those days, rugby had not yet entered the Age of Super Sports. If you were good enough, you could play alongside some of Bermuda's best players. If not, there was a chance that you could "bribe" your way into a game with a case of beer.

Are those "good old days" gone forever? Maybe not. Now in its 18th year, the World Rugby Classic attracts the best of the game to Bermuda. It's an all-star event, but everyone has a good old-fashioned time.

The November tournament, which evolved in 1988 from Bermuda's Easter Rugby Classic, draws retired pros from around the world. Don't imagine, though, that these senior players are long in the tooth. Most have just ended their professional careers and are still as fit as the proverbial butcher's dog. I, for one, would not bribe anyone for the chance to go head-to-head with the likes of Jason Leonard or Steve McDowall.

Imagine having the Senior PGA tour come to your local golf club. That's what the World Rugby Classic is like in Bermuda - only much, much better. The camaraderie of rugby players is unrivalled. Players put themselves on the line for teammates. There are no prima donnas. Friends made on the field - and in the bar after the game - last a lifetime. Wear your rugby jersey anywhere and some sports fan likely will buy you a drink.

Every November in Bermuda, a band of volunteers (whose enthusiasm borders on fanaticism) spend every waking hour organising lodging, food, referees, corporate hospitality, programme sellers and gate staff to make the World Rugby Classic a reality.

Eight teams composed of former international stars play at least two games. The only stipulation is that players must be older than 33. Throw into the mix a Bermuda National team game and a ladies' international tournament between the United States and Great Britain and you've got five days of top-class rugby. It's no wonder that the event draws global media coverage on television, radio and the Internet.

For those of us who live in Bermuda, it's a tough week to get through. There's so much rugby to watch and so many Dark and Stormy^TM, Gosling's Black Seal Rum drinks, to enjoy as we party the night away in The Touchline Tavern. Think of us the next morning as we slam the snooze button again and again before giving in, getting up and heading out to the office for a bit of real work before the evening comes and the party starts all over again!

Come to Bermuda and catch a rugby match yourself. All games are played at the National Sports Centre, the venue for the Rugby Classic since 2000. Several packages are available with ticket prices to suit every budget. The 18th annual Rugby Classic will take place November 6-13, 2005.

World Rugby Classic 2004 Results

World Rugby Classic Final
South Africa 22 Australia 12

World Rugby Classic Plate Final
Barbarians 19 New Zealand 20

Women's International
British Lionesses 15 USA Golden Eagles 5

Previous winners are:
1988 Wales
1989 New Zealand
1990 New Zealand
1991 New Zealand
1992 New Zealand
1993 Classic Barbarians (Ireland, Scotland and Wales)
1994 New Zealand
1995 New Zealand
1996 New Zealand
1997 Classic Lions (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales)
1998 Classic Lions
1999 Argentina
2000 South Africa
2001 Classic Lions
2002 Classic Barbarians
2003 France (France 13 USA 6 in the final)

For more info please visit: www.worldrugby.bm

For official Rugby team jerseys, click here.

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