Although a little disappointed that their Classic clash is against a domestic side rather than an international one, the Bermuda rugby fraternity are getting excited about today?s President?s Select tie against the Atlanta Renegades.

Happy to admit the Bermuda side have suffered from something of a lull in the last two or three years, coach Pete Shillingford is happy that they are now back in a purple patch.

?We?ve not had the strongest side in recent years but I?m very happy with the squad we have now,? said Shillingford, whose side?s last competitive fixture saw them capture the Caribbean championship at Sevens and maybe a place in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.

?There are some good young players in the side and a few other guys have either returned to the Island or come in from the wilderness and I would be very disappointed if we didn?t win this game.?

Playing as a President?s Select, Shillingford is able to include a number of ex-pats who have not yet reached the three-year eligibility qualification period, but 15 of the 22 are genuine international players which gives the squad some consistency for the World Cup qualifiers early next year.

?We?ve got a couple of young Bermudian guys that are definitely worth looking out for in the shape of scrum-half Tom Edwards and Ralshown Douglas, a winger with Police,? continued the coach.

?They are great players for the future so it?s important that we get them blooded in an international game and give them a chance to savour the atmosphere of the Classic.

?Obviously these games give us a chance to play in front of a big, noisy, partisan crowd. We used to play in the Classic itself but just being involved in the event is really good for Bermuda rugby.

?I hope the guys make the most of it. Atlanta are a strong, competitive side but, like I said, I will be disappointed if we don?t come away with a result.?

The game was originally due to be against international opposition but the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ivan put paid to Cayman returning again this year after defeating Bermuda in 2003.