Proudly Supporting

Join Astons Army in the fight against blood cancer

Aston Bevington
'As brave as a lion'

https://astonsarmy.co.uk/

SUPPORT HERE

Lions Testimonials

Willie John McBride

“The Classic Lions team is a team that I was involved with from its very inception. The culture and ethos of the Lions is something that can benefit all former players both on and off the field. I am very proud to have played my part in the Classic Lions journey. ”

JPR Williams

“Having been involved with Bermuda World Rugby Classic since1987 is has been a pleasure seeing the Classic concept grow. The recent change of name to Classic Lions will no doubt mean the continued and greater success in the future.”

Shane Williams

"Playing in the Bermuda World Rugby Classic was a fantastic experience in a beautiful setting. Having grown up watching the tournament being screened on TV over the Christmas period it was certainly something I wanted to add to my list of rugby memories and would recommend it to any former player. Playing with the Classic Lions was a great experience."

Dafydd James

t has been a real honour to captain such a historic side as the Classic Lions for a number of tours and events. The team provides a unique platform for former players to stay involved with the game that has formed such a major part of their lives. As well as keeping in contact with players they have played with or against over many years."

DOWN UNDER

Australia Tour 2025

The CLASSIC LIONS legacy continues with a unique independent two match tour of Australia to play Classic Australia in parallel with the British & Irish Lions Tour in July 2025. This incredibly exciting tour has been 18 months in planning and will present an unforgettable experience for all involved. With the ever growing appetite for Classic Rugby worldwide, the tour matches will be played at renowned Rugby League venues on the Gold Coast and Melbourne to grow the game across all codes and ensure our community impact has a much greater and diverse reach.

With notable players such as Shane Williams, Sean Lamont and Gavin Henson & Mike Tindall all expected to feature, the quality of rugby on show is sure to be of a high standard.

Welcome

The Classic Lions is an incredibly special brand that reunites legends of the game with the true spirit of the sport. Some of the most iconic players and worlds greatest rugby talent have represented the Classic Lions during its proud history. In addition to many sought after requests to showcase the Classic Lions in memorable fixtures, The World Rugby Classics held in Bermuda has been an annual tour destination for the past three decades. In 1987 former British & Irish Lions, Allan Martin and Mike Roberts took a team from Wales to complete as Old Wales in the first Bermuda Classic. Over the next 35 years, invitational teams would feature at the world classics under banners such as The Classic Barbarians, The Celtic Barbarians, Lions Legends and now as the original Classic Lions which was formed in 1997.

Our Legacy

Many of the greatest players to have played the game have represented the Classic Lions down through the years. The careers, lives, memories, experiences and opportunities rugby has given these players is celebrated through our unique ambassador programs created to inspire the next generation and empahsise the life one can have 'beyond rugby, through rugby'

WORLD RUGBY CLASSICS BERMUDA

For 35 years Classic Rugby has been played in Bermuda. The first games were played in 1987 when former British Lions & Welsh Internationals Allan Martin & Mike Roberts took a team from Wales to play in Bermuda.

TOURS & INVITATIONALS

The Classic Lions have travelled across the world to feature in a number of invitational fixtures. This July, the Classic Lions will tour Australia parallel to the B&I Lions Series adn will play two fixtures against Classic Australia Rugby.

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING

The Classic Lions unique Rugby Alumni includes some of the greatest rugby talent the Northern Hemispehere has produced. We are dedicatated to giving back to the game and will be hosting a number of fundraising events to support local charities and community projects.

COMMUNITY

The Classic Lions have collaborated with The Rugby Inspiration CIC "Project Grassroots" to support the growth of the game through coaching seminars, mentorships programmes and community outreach initiatives.