Lions Legends

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Lions Legends

''Classic Rugby is a medium for past rugby players to renew friendships and foster the 'Spirit of Rugby' we all so much enjoy''

Est.2020

Welcome To Lions Legends

For 34 years Classic Rugby has been played in Bermuda. The first games were played in 1987 when former British Lions & Welsh Internationals Allan Martin & Mike Roberts took a team from Wales to play in Bermuda when Scotland were unable to raise a team.

The visit of Old Wales to play in Bermuda, ‘old’ being relative in 1987 was a prelude to the hugely successful World Rugby Classic. This international event which would allow retired players to, once again, play international rugby, was the way to go for Bermuda.

John Kane

Wales Classicals 1992

Lions Vs Pumas 08

Bermuda WRC 2008

Lions Team at BWRC

Ceri Sweeney

1st Bermuda 1987

Lionesses

ABOUT US

Take a scroll through our timeline to see where we came from and where we are now!

1987 Old Wales to play in Bermuda

Old Wales to play in Bermuda

1972 ‘Old Wales’ tour of Bermuda

‘Old Wales’ tour of Bermuda

The ‘Old Wales’ tour of Bermuda was the catalyst for the ‘World Rugby Classic’ but it was the Easter Rugby Classic which provided the basis for the concept. From 1972 to 1990 over 150 international rugby players came to Bermuda to play in the Easter Classic, a game between an Irish Invitation XV and a Bermuda Invitation XV.

1986 Allan Martin becomes the Manager

Allan Martin becomes the Manager

Allan Martin has been the organiser and manager of many Classic Teams since 1986. He has been taking Classic Teams to play in the World Rugby Classic in Bermuda for some 35 years since 1987. Allan Martin arranged his first Classic Match in 1986.

1986 John Bevan Memorial Match

John Bevan Memorial Match

A memorial match for his British Lions, Wales & Aberavon RFC Friend & teammate John Bevan, who died of cancer in1986 aged 38 years.

1988 Bermuda first World Rugby Classic

Bermuda first World Rugby Classic

So, in 1988 England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand & the United States eagerly accepted the invitation and participated in the Bermuda first World Rugby Classic. Wales emerged as the winners of the first World Rugby Classic. New Zealand went on to dominate the World Rugby Classic for a number of years.

1993 Classic Barbarian Team Formed

Classic Barbarian Team Formed

In 1993 Wales, England, Ireland and Scotland combined to become a Classic Barbarian Team, then when England formed their own team the Classic Barbarians became the Celtic Barbarians.

1997 Celtic Barbarians into Classic Lions

Celtic Barbarians into Classic Lions

In 1997 the Celtic Barbarians developed into the Classic Lions who continued for some 24 years until in 2021when Classic Lions became the LIONS LEGENDS

Now The Years To Come

The Years To Come

Since 1988 the Bermuda World Rugby Classic has established itself and a leading sporting event in the world rugby calandar. With the following teams taking part: England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, USA, Argentina, Spain/Portugal, Uruguay.

Willie John McBride MBE

“The Lions Legends team is a team that I was involved with from its very inception. The culture and ethos of the Lions is something that can benefit all former players both on and off the field. I am very proud to have played my part in the Lion Legends journey. ”

Lock

(British Lions, Ireland, Ballymena RFC)

JPR Williams MBE

“Having been involved with Bermuda World Rugby Classic since1987 is has been a pleasure seeing the Classic concept grow. The recent change of name to Lions Legends will no doubt mean the continued and greater success in the future.”

Full Back

(British Lions, Wales, Bridgend RFC)

Chris Wyatt

“I have absolutely loved the time spent with the Lions Legends after my playing career came to an end. Having played for many years, made many friends and many wonderful memories from this great game! Long may the Lions Legends Rugby Team go from strength to strength.”

Lock

(Wales, Llanelli, Bourgoin RFC)

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