Canadian Classics Return Home from Bermuda’s World Rugby Classic
Contributed Article: Darrin Chaplin
Canada Classics
The Canadian Classics Rugby Society returned home last week following a hard-fought campaign at the prestigious World Rugby Classic tournament on the island paradise of Bermuda.
Travelling with a camp showcasing over 200 National Senior Men’s caps as well as Canada 7’s, Canada A, and Canada Age Grade graduates the Canadians faced Classic Italy in round 1 and found themselves down 5 – 17 at the half. But in true Canadian fashion our men found a different gear following the break and stormed back to take a 19-17 lead late into the match. Italian flyhalf Ramiro Pez added a penalty before Ontario’s Derek Daypuck replied with one of his own to make things 22-20 for Canada into injury time. Unfortunately, time was allowed to tick away until Italy were awarded a final penalty to steal a controversial 23-22 win at the final whistle.
The Canadian Classics aiming to spoil a Classic Italian ruck at the 2019 World Rugby Classic, Bermuda.
(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Classics Rugby Society)
A loss to the Italians moved Canada to the Plate bracket and resulted in a date vs Classic France. Canada faced a determined French XV and found themselves in a spirited 5-5 deadlock at halftime after failing to capitalize following two French first-half yellow cards. Difficulties continued for Canada into the second half as several missed attempts at goal left the door open for Frenchman Yannick Lafforgue to notch a pivotal last-minute penalty that would see Classic France through to the Plate Final and Canada sent home winless.
Not a nation known to hang its head in defeat the Canadian Classics finished the tournament on a high by attending a local Youth Rugby Development Camp where they spent the day teaching skills and drills to local Bermuda youth players of all ages.
The Canadian Classics spend the day with local youth at the World Rugby Classic, Bermuda.
(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Classics Rugby Society)
Next up for the Classics will be the 2020 Can Am Summer Series vs their counterpart, the Classic USA Misfits. This event will mark both the 25th Anniversary of the Canadian Classics Rugby Society as well as the 60th Anniversary of host Calgary Rugby Union. As such, the Classics will be making the event a double-header by hosting two Canadian Classics vs Classic USA Misfits matches back to back during the world-famous Calgary Stampede July 9-12, 2020! For more information and updates like and follow the Classics’ social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter at: