Excitement is building for the 37th edition of the World Rugby Classic with the Lions and Springboks announcing their squads.

South Africa-born former France loose forward Bernard Le Roux is heading to Bermuda, with the tournament scheduled for November 1 to 7 at the National Sports Centre.

Le Roux was capped 47 times by France and playing at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.

Josh Strauss, another South African who enjoyed success in foreign lands with 15 caps for Scotland, is also headed to Bermuda, while Zane Kirchner returns at full back having donned the green and gold 31 times. The 41-year-old was part of the side that won the Classic for a seventh time last year with a 45-10 triumph over Canada.

Andries Coetzee and JJ Engelbrecht, who both played 13 times for South Africa, are expected to bring some explosive speed to the Classic Boks backline.

Classic Lions, who last won the Rugby Classic a decade ago, are led by former international David Atwood. The lock played at international level 27 times.

Matt Scott, who played on 40 occasions for Scotland at centre, is the vice-captain. Mark Bennett appeared 29 times for Scotland and was also part of Great Britain’s squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne won 14 caps for Scotland at scrum half after representing his country at under-18 and under-20 level. Jaike Carter played for Spain seven times in the World Sevens Series as an outside half.

Meanwhile, D’zuri Gill, the director of the Corporate Touch Rugby tournament being played on North Field every Thursday until October 16, has expressed his excitement about reaching the midway stage.

“I am thrilled to say that we have successfully reached the halfway mark of our six-week season and the energy on the field is electric,” Gill said.

“Our primary goal from the start was simple yet ambitious, that is to create and maintain an active, engaging, safe and enjoyable space for our local corporate community.

“Now, entering our third week, it is clear this goal is being met with resounding success. We've seen professionals from various industries trade their office attire for team colours, all in the spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.

“A key to this success has been our specially tailored, modified format of rugby. We designed this faster-paced version inspired by the women's domestic league to be incredibly dynamic and accessible.

“These new rules are a hit, effectively levelling the playing field so that anyone — regardless of rugby experience, age, or athletic ability — not only participate but truly excel.

“The laughter and cheers from the sidelines are a testament to the environment we’ve created.

“We are proving that workplace wellness and community building can be seamlessly blended with genuine fun.

“Participants are building connections, getting a fantastic workout and discovering a new passion for the game.”