Favourite week

The sight of a 6ft 6in, 300lb bloke riding atop a tiny scooter along Front Street is a tell-tale sign that this week is Rugby Week in Bermuda. The unique World Rugby Classic kicked off on Saturday and features veteran stars from 8 nations, and it is a highlight in island’s sporting calendar.

I would go as far as to say that this week is one of my favourites helped by today being a national holiday as Bermudians properly remember those lost in battle.

This is the 25th anniversary of the World Rugby Classic’s and it’s evolved over the years and attracts visitors, ex-pats and locals alike to a party atmosphere whilst on the field well known names play and run hard with pride at stake as well as knowing that the bar awaits them. These boys play hard, but party pretty hard as well and mix happily in the island’s hostilities until the early hours.

Last year’s winners were South Africa and they return with their highest ever points scorer Percy Montgomery and for his first time, their most capped player Victor Matfield.

The Wallabies look strong as do the French and the Lions, who include again Colin Charvis and Jon Petrie. The Argentinians are a good outside bet and hopefully the Italians will have improved from their debut last year.

Other exhibition games and events take place all week and I will be in attendance on Wednesday and Thursday and am hoping to take the family to Finals Day on Saturday, although not until after we take our daughter to an International Gymnastics Challenge in St Davids first starring teams from the United States and Canada.

You never knew Bermuda was such a hotbed of sport did you?