November 14, 2016
USA Classic Eagles Exit in Plate Semi-Finals at 2016 World Rugby Classic Bermuda
Photo: World Rugby Classic
Doug Coil
The USA Classic Eagles Rugby traveled to Bermuda to participate in the World Rugby Classic that was 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.”
Event Schedule
On Saturday November 5th an opening party was held at the Rum Bum Beach Bar at Horseshoe Bay for rugby supporters to enjoy the Bermuda experience.
On Sunday November 6 the tournament began at the National Stadium, Devonshire, Bermuda. The Classic Lions beat Italy 33-7 and South Africa beat Canada 17-14.
On Monday November 7, the USA Classic Eagles lost 33-14-to Argentina. New Zealand then beat France 14-7.
Play then resumed on Wednesday November 9, with Bermuda losing to 14-17 Lloyds RFC. In the Plate Semi-final, Canada beat Italy 17-0. Then the Classic Springboks beat the Classic Lions 14-7.
The other semi-finals were postponed until Friday November 11 based on weather. The Classic Eagles Rugby exited the competition losing 28-12 to France. Argentina then won against New Zealand 40-14.
The tournament concluded on Saturday November 12 with the Plate Final as Canada lost 15-18 to France and the Classic Final Classic Springboks won 12-0 against the Classic Pumas.
