The National Sports Center was set to erupt as the Bermuda Rugby Classic exploded into the Semi-Final stage! This legendary tournament, now in its 36th year, showcases the enduring talent and passion of rugby giants who have retired from the international arena.
Fans got ready for a clash of titans as these former national team stars reignite old rivalries and battle for a place in the Final. The atmosphere was electric, the tackles bone-jarring, and the Try’s spectacular. The evening saw a celebration of skill, power, and the unbreakable spirit of the game.
Plate Semi-Final
Classic Irish 31 Classic Eagles 13 The Classic Irish secured their place in the Bermuda Rugby Classic Plate Final with a convincing 31-13 victory over the Classic Eagles.
Tiernan O'Halloran led the scoring for the Classic Irish with two Try’s, while Jonathan Larbey, Brendan Burke, and Brendan Heggarty each contributed one. Terry Kennedy added two Conversions, and William Finn Dardis successfully converted another.
The Classic Eagles responded with a Try from Drew Palin, while Mike Dopson added a Conversion and two Penalties. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Classic Irish's strong performance.
The Classic Irish will now face the winner of the other Plate Semi-Final in the Final, where they will aim to secure the Plate Title.
Classic Semi-Final
Argentina 17 Canada 22 The National Sports Center witnessed another clash of rugby titans as Canada delivered a knockout blow to defending champions Argentina, securing a thrilling 22-17 victory in the World Rugby Classic Semi-Final.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading blows in a fierce battle for supremacy. Canada drew first blood with a Try by Blake Mahovic, converted by Mike Moloney. However, Argentina roared back with a Try from Alfio Basile, converted by Gonzalo Gutierrez Taboada, leveling the score at 7-7.
Canada regained the lead with a Try from Huw Grundy, but the Conversion attempt sailed wide. Moloney then slotted a Penalty kick to extend Canada's advantage to 15-7 at halftime.
Argentina narrowed the gap with a Penalty from Taboada, but Canada responded with another Try from the unstoppable Mahovic, converted by Moloney, to push their lead to 22-10.
The defending champions refused to go down without a fight, with Pueblo Brugo scoring a Try and Taboada adding the conversion to close the gap to 5 points. The tension was palpable as Argentina launched a final assault, but time ran out on their comeback bid, and Canada emerged victorious, securing their place in the grand final.
Canada's victory over the reigning champions sends a powerful message: they are a force to be reckoned with and are hungry for World Rugby Classic glory.
