world rugby classic Celebrating 25 years of rivalry and friendship a special advertising section of the bermuda sun
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November 9, 2012
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page 54
hospitality in Bermuda and the tent we had had bullet holes in it from the Second World War. “We have come a long way since then. “The move to the National Stadium gave us a bigger canvas to work on and everyone jumped on board. “Since then it has grown enormously. “And for me, each year, to see what we have achieved in practice is just amazing.
By Simon Jones sjones@bermudasun.bm
Over the last 25 years the World Rugby Classic has become an unmissable feature of the island’s sporting calendar. John Kane, the man who makes it all tick, says the event is now a credit to all the people involved in it. Scores of rugby players and fans of the sport descend on the island for the week of intense rivalry and competition.
Expense
Camaraderie
And the event has also built a strong reputation for camaraderie and friendship amongst the players and the fans. This year’s 25th Classic is sure to be an even bigger celebration of the qualities inherently found in and around the sport. Mr Kane said: “A lot of work goes into it from a huge number of people. “We are very fortunate in Bermuda that we have never wanted for volunteers and that has helped a huge amount.
n Photo by moongate productions
upset: Last year’s Australia vs. Canada game was typical of the unpredictability of the Classic. The Wallabies had most of the run of play in the second half, but the Canadians then pulled off a surprise upset to win 19-15. “It’s a full time job for a lot of people on top of the day job they have. “And I know a lot of
people take great pride in staging the event every year.” Mr Kane says the future
of the Classic remains bright and there is no reason why the tournament should not continue.
He added: “I remember when we first started the Classic, there was really no such thing as corporate
“As a chartered accountant we work a lot in figures and on paper, but to see something come to life like the Classic each year has been (something) very special to be a part of.” Mr Kane added: “As for the future I’m sure the Classic will continue. “It has become too big and too much a part of Bermuda to disappear. “It has been expensive to run over the years, but we are hopeful that we can get it on a sound financial basis and other people can then take it forward.” n