<< BackRugby Classic Starts Sunday
11/04/06
The World Rugby Classic is now into its 19th year – but the popular
golden oldies tournament shows no sign of slowing down as the opening
two matches are set to kick off tomorrow at the National Sports Centre.
Rugby Classic starts tomorrow
By Sam Stevens
Reprinted from The Royal Gazette Ltd. - Bermuda
While
the real focus of the week remains off the pitch in the hospitality
tents and at the street parties, the quality and competitiveness of the
rugby has improved in recent years also – with defending champions
South Africa now looking to become the only team in the Classic’s
history to win three titles in a row.
This year’s event did not
get off to the best of starts when one of the star names due to take
part – former Australian prop Tony Daly – was arrested en route at Los
Angeles airport for allegedly stealing a wallet.
And when Daly
was found not to be the culprit, an old traffic offence was deemed
reason enough for the FBI to put him on the next plane back to Sydney.
But
apart from that unfortunate incident, everything else has passed off
smoothly, with Classic organiser John Kane indicating this week that
advanced ticket sales were going well and that they had sold over 2,500
more corporate hospitality tickets than they had three years ago.
The
first game on Sunday sees Argentina take on the might of New Zealand at
2.p.m. followed by a clash between the Classic Lions and France which
gets underway at 3.30 p.m.
General admission at the North Field is $25, while a five-day pass can be bought for $100. For further rates call 298-6633.
Schedule
Monday – Australia v Canada (7 p.m.), South Africa v USA (8.30 p.m.),
Wednesday – Semi-finals (from 7 p.m.)
Thursday – Semi-finals (from 7p.m.)
Saturday – Bermuda v TBA (5 p.m.), Plate and Classic final (from 6.15 p.m.)
LOCATION: Bermuda National Stadium
MORE INFORMATION: www.theroyalgazette.com
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