Bermuda’s young players had the privilege of learning the sport from former professional players during the World Rugby Classic.

Visiting teams Italy, Ireland, France, Canada, USA and the Classic Lions took sessions with various programmes at schools, festivals and organisations on the island, involving more than 320 youngsters aged 7 to 18.

The Italian team got things started at the Bermuda Rugby Football Union’s Mini Rugby programme on the first day of the Classic, with players working alongside various age groups.

Thanks to AXA XL, the Whitney Middle School children were the beneficiaries of an afternoon with the France Classic Rugby, while the Irish Rugby Legends hosted Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy students for a skill-oriented training session.

The Classic Lions hosted the Colonial Group Classic Lions Youth Day, which saw ten middle schools participate — a hugely impactful morning involving so many young people, many of whom were trying the sport for the first time.

After a surprise defeat over the Classic Springboks, Rugby Canada put their coaching boots on for sessions at Victor Scott Primary and Northlands Primary last Thursday, while Warwick Academy were able to host a bevy of training sessions alongside the USA Classic Eagles.

Lastly, the Under-12 and Under-14 boys’ teams had the opportunity to showcase their skills on the pitch last Thursday at the North Field, National Sports Centre.

Patrick Calow, the BRFU youth development officer, said: “The World Rugby Classic opens our youth programme up to fantastic exposure to world-class players and the inclusive nature of rugby

“We would like to give a huge thank you to the World Rugby Classic for their support, all the participating players and of their generous sponsors for giving back to the local youth rugby community in this way.”