NEWS & UPDATES
Classic Women Unbeaten in Britain
Also celebrating the program’s 30th anniversary, the Canadian Classic Women embarked on a two-week, three-match tour of the United Kingdom, facing North Bristol RFC, Stirling County, and West Park Leeds. The squad earned memorable victories against seasoned opposition, with their only setback being a technicality when the North Bristol match was halted at halftime due to injury. A highlight came as three Classics were called up to train with Rugby Canada’s NSWT ahead of their World Cup opener vs Fiji in York. The tour marked a milestone for the Classic Women’s program, introducing 19 debutants and successfully blending amateur enthusiasm with professional caliber competition. By celebrating women’s rugby on the international stage and inspiring future generations, this tour advanced our program while also honoring three decades of Canadian Classics history! Truly an unforgettable experience!
Classic Men Conquer Japan
In celebration of the Canadian Classics’ 30th anniversary, the Men’s squad traveled to Japan for a 10-day, three-match tour. Despite battling extreme heat, humidity, and limited training facilities, the team rose to every challenge and showcased the spirit of Canadian rugby by finishing the tour undefeated with a perfect 3–0 record. Victories came vs Classic Toshiba Brave Lupus, Yokohama Athletic Club, and the Classic Panasonic Wild Knights. This milestone tour not only honored three decades of Canadian Classics rugby but also strengthened bonds with the international rugby community. Special thanks to our sponsors and tour guides, whose support made the journey possible. A heartfelt acknowledgement also goes to Classics debutant and liaison Tsugunosuke Hirai for his outstanding contributions throughout the tour.
CLASSICS ANNOUNCE SPECIAL 30th
ANNIVERSARY TOURS FOR 2025
30 years after Classics President Tom Woods launched the program, Executive Director Darrin Chaplin has announced special anniversary tours set for summer 2025. The Classic Men will embark on a 3-match tour to Japan vs Classic Japan-One company teams this July, while the Classic Women are headed to the United Kingdom for a 3-match tour of their own that sees them square off against established Champions Division One club sides. Stay tuned for match, squad, and kit details for both sides!
CLASSIC WOMEN LOSE IN GRIND vs USA SOUTH
Despite fielding a heavily-capped side the Classic Women dropped a proper-test vs the USA South Panthers in their inaugural match. Although mistakes marred the Canadian’s efforts, leading to 35 scathing USA points, their never-say-die attitudes kept the contest close with a 35-27 final. 2026 will see the Classics host the rematch at a TBA Canada venue as the series continues
CLASSIC MEN DEBUT A DOZEN
The Canadian Classic Men have called up 12 new players for Bermuda’s 2024 tournament. Veteran Can-Am Classics Wes Black (prop), Mike Dougherty and Johnny Humphries (lock), and Huw Grundy (flank) all make the cut in the forward pack while Neil Irwin (halfback), Bryn Keys (center), and Jason Park, Jeremiah Nikkel, and Blake Mahovic (outside backs) will also feature. Making their Classics debuts will be Vancouver Highlander Mike Moloney (flyhalf), former Toronto Arrow Jamie Leveridge (flyhalf), and Calgary Irishman Paul McNiff (flank) all getting a their first taste of life in the fast lane as Canadian Classics.
Follow us @canadianclassicsrugby for 2024 results.
CLASSIC WOMEN LAUNCH NEW CAN AM
After months of work and negotiations the Canadian Classics Women are happy to report they have established a permanent partnership for their own annual Can-Am Series vs the USA Rugby South Panthers.
The series is set to kick off in spring, 2025, when the Canadians will be hosted in Charlotte, NC, USA. Stay tuned to our Instagram account for squad announcements!
CLASSICS TAME NERFU IN TORONTO REMATCHES
The Canadian Classic Men’s & Women’s squads hosted their rivals from New England in a pair of rematches from last year’s tours to Boston. On August 10, 2024, at Fletcher’s Fields in Markham, ON, the Classics helped celebrate the permanent sale and closure of the historic grounds with resounding wins vs their Nor’Easter counterparts. The Classic Men triumphed 85-7, while the Classic Women notched a 36-5, in what was to be an offensive clinic.
Special thanks to Rugby Canada Hall of Famer Andrea Burk for her assistance with commentary. Matches can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/iB-oEDmtCi4?feature=shared
CLASSIC WOMEN TASTE VICTORY IN TEXAS
On 16 March, 2024, the Canadian Classic Women battled Houston Athletic’s Division 1 Senior Women at MRL’s Sabercats Stadium. An exciting first half saw Houston’s superb lineouts, and speed on attack, leave things close at the break. But after some encouragement from their staff, the Canadians stormed back with dominant scrums, unselfish attack, and consistent communication that held Houston scoreless in the second stanza and secured a superb 56-22 win! Congratulations ladies!
CLASSICS MEN HUMBLED IN HOUSTON
The 2024 Can-Am Summer Series matched the Classic men against MLR’s Sabercats U23 Academy, and the Classic USA Eagles, at Houston’s Sabercats Stadium. Canada’s 2nd XV faced the Sabercats Academy, dominated early, and scored first before allowing overconfidence to seal their fate. Poor decision-making and turnovers provided the Sabercats all they needed to turn the tide and earn a 22-15 victory on home soil. Well done lads! The Classics 1st XV faced a rejuvenated Classic Eagles squad in a spirited back and forth contest. One missed conversion, and two intercepted passes, proved too much for the Canadians to overcome - handing the Eagles a 38-33 win. Special thanks to both teams for the valuable lessons & welcome back to the Classic USA Eagles - who have returned to the summer fixture after overcoming the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic. Great to have you back!
BERMUDA BECKONS
The Canadian Classics have announced a seasoned squad for the 2023 World Rugby Classic. This year's team showcases 150 international caps with added experience from the NSM7's, Maple Leaf 7's,
Guinness Premiership, Major League Rugby, Canadian Rugby Championship, Rugby Canada Super League, and Canada's age grade programs. Visit our Instagram account for the detailed squad list & be sure to cheer the lads on during their campaign.
CLASSIC MENS 7s CLAIM GOLD
From July 30 - Aug 1 a new Classic Men’s Sevens squad, comprised solely of emergency services personnel, competed in the prestigious World Police & Fire Games in Winnipeg, MB. Following a 3-0 day 1, including a win vs a talented Australian side, the Classics sailed through their semi-final to earn a shot at Gold vs the returning champions from Italy. Despite being down 0-7 at halftime, the Classics rallied behind a brave performance from Calgary’s Ian Schoultz to claim victory! Bring on WPFG 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA!
CLASSICS CALL ON EXPERIENCE FOR WRC
WRC President John Kane has released the Classic’s 2023 match schedule & this year’s field is fierce! Heavily capped squads from France, USA, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Argentina, and the British Lions round out the tournament. Canada opens their 2023 campaign in Hamilton, Bermuda, on Nov 3 @ 830 pm vs Classic Ireland. Keep your eyes on our Instagram account for roster and results announcements while you cheer the lads on!
CLASSIC WOMEN CLEAN HOUSE
On July 14, 2023, the Canadian Classics Women continued their winning ways following resounding victories vs the new Nor’Easters Women’s rep program in Boston, MA. Led by tour captain Kayla Mack-Thiel the ladies notched impressive shutouts of their New England counterparts winning 60-0 and 52-0 in what were their first out-of-country fixtures in 16 years! Stay tuned for exciting news about their 2024 tour plans!
CLASSICS MEN BAG TWO IN BOSTON
On July 8, 2023, the Canadian Classics Men's Rugby Program earned two well-deserved wins vs the New England Nor'Easters at the beautiful Boston Irish Cultural Center in Canton, MA. Match 1 ended in a tight 27-20 victory, while Match 2 resulted in a more decisive 36-0 win for boys. The stage is now set for our Classic Women's squads that arrive this week for their own New England clashes. Good luck ladies!
2023 WORLD POLICE & FIRE GAMES
Classics announce an All-Emergency services men’s sevens squad for the 2023 World Police & Fire Games, July 31-Aug 2, in Winnipeg, MB. Follow their quest for gold on our Instagram account.
