As www.islandstats.com began the countdown to the 2009 World Rugby Class earlier this month we continue with information from the organizers. While the World Rugby Classic is the place for ex-internationals to get together, not all of the stars are on the field as the Classic continues to attract some of the legends of the game to Bermuda for Classic Week.
When one thinks of rugby “legends” the name, Willie John McBride, would be the first on everyone’s lips. Captain of Ireland and Captain of the most successful British & Irish Lions team ever, he remains an icon in the world of rugby. Indeed, just a few months ago, he was chosen to present the jerseys to the Lions team before the first Test in South Africa and continues to be in huge demand as an after-dinner speaker. He played 63 times for Ireland from 1962 to 1975 and 68 times for the Lions, including 17 Test matches, from 1962-1974. He led the 1974 Lions, having already toured with them on four previous occasions, in 22 matches in South Africa where they remained undefeated.
David Duckham was one of England’s finest players, playing 36 times for his country from 1969 to 1976 both on the wing and in the centre. His partnership with John Spencer was considered, until Will Carling and Jeremy Guscott joined forces, the finest English pairing ever. He was possessed with great pace and a huge side-step which made him a star on the 1971 Lions Tour to New Zealand where he scored eleven tries. He was the only English back in the famous 1973 Barbarians team which beat the All Blacks in what was considered the game of the century and featured one of the greatest ever tries in rugby.
“JPR” Williams was the outstanding fullback of his generation, playing for Wales and the Lions. He played 55 times for his country and 8 times for the Lions, in an international career from 1969 to 1981. He toured with Willie John on the 1971 & 1974 Lions winning both Test series. He also played tennis at Wimbledon becoming Junior Champion in 1966.
Andy Haden played over one hundred times for the New Zealand All Blacks, including 41 Test matches, from 1972 to 1986. One of the great legends of New Zealand rugby to whom all others looked up to and whose performances were often the difference between winning and loosing. He was one of the pioneers in the drive towards professionalism which often brought him into dispute with rugby’s officialdom. He played against the 1977 Lions with the All Blacks winning the series and was one the first All Blacks to compete in Europe during the off-season, playing for Harlequins in England and Algida in Italy.
The World Rugby Classic runs from the 8th to the 14th November with all games played at the National Sports Centre.
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