25th World Rugby Classic the ‘best yet’ say players and sports fans

Rugby players and sports fans have praised this year’s World Rugby Classic as among the best yet.

Thousands packed the hospitality venues and the Tent Tavern for the closing night’s party, enjoying live music from The Kennel Boys and a DJ.

Rugby players mingled with spectators after the finals last night as the 25^th anniversary event came to a close.

Tim Kluempers, US Eagles manager, said: “As always we’ve had a wonderful time here in Bermuda.

“The families of the players love it here and we encourage them to bring their wives, kids and parents. It’s a real family atmosphere.

“This year has been unbelievable, and year after year it gets better and better.”

Ryan Strubin, a flanker from Canada, said: “This was the highest level of rugby I’ve played in some time.

“The island really embraced the Canadian team and we’ve really enjoyed it. This place is beautiful.”

Alvin Harvey and Chris Naylor, commentators with the Bermuda Sports Network, dressed up in costume for the final party.

Mr Naylor said: “This Classic is up there as amongst the best — the standard of players that have come here is the best it’s ever been.

“And the players love the event.”

Debbie DeSilva, manager of the merchandise tent, said sales had been “brisk”.

She said the World Rugby Classic proves a popular draw for tourists.

“There’s one couple who come here from Ireland year after year. Each year they come they buy lots of shirts and souvenirs.

“They spend an average of $600 and say they have to have a Rugby Classic shirt from each year, as we change the design for each event.

“Most of our volunteers are also from all over — from Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and the UK, so it’s a real international atmosphere.”

John Kane, World Rugby Classic president, said: "It would have been a perfect week were it not for the weather hiccup on Wednesday, but we got back on track very quickly thanks to our crew, assisted by the Argentine and French players, who helped to get the Members Tent back into shape for Thursday.

"Also our support from the community was superb, be they the volunteers, suppliers or those who enjoyed our hospitality facilities.

"It was a big week for Bermuda and it was good to see the tourism, financial and business benefits to Bermuda as well as the number of people employed by our caterers and other suppliers, which has certainly helped the local economy at this time of the year."