November 2, 2016
USA Classic Eagles Play at 2016 World Rugby Classic Bermuda
Photo: Classic Eagles Rugby
Doug Coil
The USA Classic Eagles Rugby travel to Bermuda to participate in the World Rugby Classic that is being held from November 6-12, 2016. The following eight international teams will participate in this esteemed event: USA Classic Eagles, Rugby Canada, Classic Puma, Classic All Blacks, Rugby Italian Classic XV, Classic Springboks, France Classic Rugby and Classic Lions.
The Classic Eagles Rugby shared an announcement of Classic Eagles for the World Rugby Classic Bermuda 2016 on October 14, 2016.
“We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for all members of the Classic Eagles who have trained hard and have helped our club grow on and off the pitch. The selectors have made their final decisions and below you will find the 22 players that will represent us at this year’s World Rugby Classic in Bermuda. We will be posting results and information via Facebook so if you haven’t already please Like our page to receive the updates. Our first match against Argentina will take place on Monday November 7th at 7:00pm. Congratulations again to the players selected and thank you to all our members that have represented the Classic Eagles over the years.
We would like to thank our Gold Sponsor, Allianz Risk Transfer, for their continued support along with Give Oils, Kudu Roofing, City Wide Maintenance, CCXchange, Bacardi, Barritt’s, Premier Distributors, Rugby Athletic, BLK, American Society, Elbow Beach Cycles and Elbow Beach Bermuda.”
CLASSIC EAGLES – WORLD RUGBY CLASSIC 2016
1. Ian Carpenter 2. Brice Schilling 3. Cameron Adams 4. Rob Moreno 5. Casey Rock 6. Brad Gifford 7. Dennis Walker 8. Fred Wintermantel 9. Ethan Porter 10. Tyler Dees 11. Peter Dahl 12. Mose Timoteo 13. Greg Bruce 14. Mathieu Lesgourgues 15. Ata Malifa 16. Simon Dogbe 17. Andrew Suniula 18. Louis Tulio 19. Peter Friedmann 20. Nese Malifa 21. Matt Byrd 22. Ben Haaparuro
- President, Team America Rugby, Inc.: Doug Brown
- Classic Eagles Treasurer: Eric Masterson
- Classic Eagles Selection Committee: Paul Holmes – Coach, Nese Malifa – Asst. Coach, Mose Timoteo – Captain
- Classic Eagles Management Staff: Tim Kluempers, Ty Gray, Guy Mumford, Craig Smith (Skippy)
- Classic Eagles Physio: Purvi Desai
Today Head Coach Paul Holmes shared a letter that was given to each of the USA Classic Eagles Rugby players in which he said that, “Each one of you will be wearing the USA colors, I personally get goosebumps and emotional every time. It is a huge honor to coach you lads and have each one of you a part of this. The thing we cannot lose is why and for who do we play this great game. Many pro teams and countries have started to lose those true values …. remember the honor, the privilege and all those that have worn the USA Classics jersey before you.”
One potential back line combination for the Classic Eagles, could feature brothers Ata Malifa and Nesse Malifa. Although Ata Malifa played for PRO Rugby’s Denver Stampede last season, Nesse Malifa has retired from competitive rugby and is involved coaching for Tiger Rugby and is the assistant coach of the Classic Eagles. Both would agree that the match is about the team and will try to assist the team to perform well.
It is hoped that all teams perform well and that all involved enjoy the Bermuda experience.
Event Schedule
Although the tournament begins on November 6th, on Saturday November 5th is a opening party from 3-10pm at Rum Bum Beach Bar at Horseshoe Bay. Rugby supporters will find this to be social event in which to enjoy the Bermuda experience.
On Sunday November 6. the tournament begins at the National Stadium, Devonshire, Bermuda. The gates open at 12:30pm and the first match (A) at 2:30pm will have the Classic Lions against Italy. At 4pm in Match B, Canada plays South Africa. A Garden party with a DJ will then follow.
On Monday November 7, the gates will open at 5:30pm. At 7:15pm in match C, the USA Classic Eagles play Argentina. At 8:30pm in match D, France plays New Zealand. At 10pm once again there will be a Garden party with a DJ.
Play then resumes on Wednesday November 9, with gates opening at 5:30pm. At 5:30pm Bermuda will play Lloyds RFC. This will be followed by the Plate Semi-final at 7:30pm with the Losers of matches A and B meeting. Then at 8:30pm, the winners of matches A and B will meet in the Classic Semi-final. After these matches, entertainment in the Goslings Tent Tavern will feature the Kennel Boys.
On Thursday November 10, the Classic Eagles Rugby squad will be back in action. Their opponent will depend on the winners and losers of the Monday matches. Gates will open at 5:30pm. At 7:15 the losers of match C and D will meet, while at 8:30pm, the winners of match C and D will meet. After these matches, entertainment in the Goslings Tent Tavern will feature the Heartbeats.
The tournament concludes on Saturday November 12 with the Plate Final at 7pm and the Classic Final at 8:30pm. Presentations will follow at 9:45pm.
Tournament Event Summary Photo
Teams and Rosters
