Bermuda Rugby took to North Field, National Sports Centre, for the World Rugby Classic Family Day on Sunday, showcasing its youth programme and giving the men’s national sevens squad a competitive outing ahead of the Rugby Americas North Sevens in Trinidad & Tobago.

At the invitation of the World Rugby Classic, the Bermuda Broncos brought their Sunday Scrimmies training session to North Field ahead of the only match of the day between the Classic Lions and Classic France.

The programme develops players from under-6 through under-16, with all six age groups convening for training between November and March throughout the season.

One of the afternoon’s highlights was a closely contested practice game between the Bermudianas Girls Academy and the under-14 boys.

The academy players built on the promise they showed at the Tropical Sevens earlier this year, giving parents and supporters an entertaining match while showing the depth of the island’s under-14 group.

The under-16s also showed composure in a small-sided scrimmage. More than 15 coaches supported the session. Many took Level 1 coach training this year as part of Bermuda Rugby’s efforts to develop its next generation of coaches.

Bermuda Rugby Football Union president Gemma Godfrey thanked the Classic organisers for providing a platform for the island’s players to showcase their talent.

“The World Rugby Classic brings an international rugby audience to Bermuda, and it means a great deal for our young players to have the chance to show what they can do on that stage,” Godfrey said.

“From our under-6s getting involved to the Bermudianas and the under-14 boys pushing each other in a really competitive match, there was a lot for our players, coaches and families to be proud of.

“We’re grateful to the Kane family and the World Rugby Classic for welcoming us to North Field and making Bermuda Rugby part of the Classic’s Family Day.”

After the youth session, Bermuda men’s sevens defeated a Select side 40-7 in a friendly encounter. The national team showed good structure and put together several well-worked attacks, while the Select side defended consistently and kept the contest competitive.

The fixture gave the national squad time to play together under pressure ahead of the regional tournament. Bermuda men and women teams will compete at the Rugby Americas North Sevens in Port of Spain on November 28 and 29.

Players based on island and the United Kingdom will be part of the women’s squad for the trip to the Caribbean.

Bermuda captain Hadleigh Tucker showed no signs of fatigue after turning out for the Classic Eagles on Saturday. Aldo Campbell did the same, putting in some big hits for the Select less than 24 hours after representing the Americans.

Jahniko Francis also featured in the action on Sunday having played for the Italian Classic XV on Saturday.

Jason Hendrie, the BRFU rugby operations director, shared that the team for the RAN Sevens was coming together well.

“The squad is shaping up well and we saw the competitive edge the players have been building since the Central American and Caribbean Games earlier this year,” Hendrie said.

“The Select side defended well and made us work for our opportunities. Playing against that kind of opposition helps us sharpen our combinations and make better decisions under pressure.

“We’re optimistic about where the squad is heading as we prepare for Trinidad and Tobago.”

Oisin Morgan, who put together the Select team, embraced the opportunity to help the national squad prepare for the upcoming regional assignment.

“It was about getting a run around with the boys and getting the national team ready for Trinidad,” Morgan said.

“We all know each other really well, so it’s nice to actually get out there and get a bit of contact. Unfortunately, they got bragging rights, but they’re looking good for Trinidad in a couple of weeks.

“It was nice to play before a World Rugby Classic crowd. Some of us have never experienced it and it was awesome to have all the support we got.”