About us
WELCOME TO CLASSIC LIONS
International Rugby is the ultimate adventure, the Lions is the greatest tour of all. Playing for your country is a huge honour at any level; the Classic Lions is an invitational side made up of players aged 33 or over that are internationally qualified for England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Through the Classic Lions rugby legends unite as one to participate in a truly remarkable side where Legends Come to Play!
At Classic Lions we celebrate those stars who have pulled on a jersey for their respective home nation or in some cases the British & Irish Lions and bring those iconic players back together to give fans a once in a life-time opportunity to watch their heroes perform as one ‘pride’.
KEY STATS
Testimonials
SEE WHAT OUR PLAYERS ARE SAYING
Having been involved with the Lions from the very beginning in 1997 is has been a pleasure seeing the team grow to become a household name in the classic rugby sector. Given its recent investment activity and exciting future plans may it continue and develop for another 30 years!
I have absolutely loved the time spent with Classic Lions after my playing career came to an end, having made many more friends and happy memories from this wonderful game! Long may it continue!
It 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 keep involved with the game that has formed such a major part of their lives. As well as keep in contact with players they have played with or against along the way!
Joining the Classic Lions for a tour of Bermuda was a fantastic experience in a beautiful setting. Having grown up watching the tournament being aired 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.
The Classic Lions is a team that I was involved with from its very inception. The culture and ethos of the Lions is something that can benefit former players both on and off the field and I’m very proud to have played my part in the journey!
I absolutely loved having the opportunity to represent the Classic Lions in Bermuda and getting the chance to experience what the tournament is all about. It is a fantastic team, and long may it continue for future former players!
I used to play hockey a lot as a kid, but stopped a few years ago. Now it ffels incredible to bact on the ring. I love this place, and the coach is great. Thanks for the awesome time!
Great team, great series and great location! I’m delighted to have had the opportunity of playing for the Classic lions and experience all that being in the classic set up has to offer! Thanks Allan and the team.
Classic Lions is a side that almost every former player would love the opportunity to receive an invitation to join at a tournament! Being fortunate enough to play a small part of their history is something I am pleased to have on my rugby CV. Thanks guys!
A big thanks to Allan and the Classic Lions for inviting me to represent them! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the side and had an opportunity to take to the field once again with players that I’d played with throughout my career. I’d recommend the experience to any former player.
What a fantastic concept classic rugby and the Classic Lions in particular really is. It is one of those rugby experiences that most players want to have and one I will certainly never forget! Long may it continue!
I’d heard a lot of positive things about Classic Lions and the Bermuda tour in particular from other former international players so was delighted when given the opportunity to experience it for myself! What a fantastic platform for former players to keep in touch with the game and their peers.
I was fortunate enough to tour with the Classic Lions in Bermuda 2019. I had a fantastic experience both on and off the field and made some great rugby connections as a result! I would certainly be back for more given the opportunity. Thanks guys!
I’ve been lucky enough to tour with the Classic Lions on a number of occasions; having only recently fully retired from the game I find classic rugby to be a great reason to stay fit and active both physically and mentally – whilst keeping in touch with the sport on my own terms. I’d recommend to anyone.
Bermuda 2019 and the earlier testimonial match against Paul James’ Select XV in the summer has been my first experience of classic rugby and the Classic Lions in particular. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself both on and off the field and would love to continue to be part of this great set up!
Testimonials
SEE WHAT OUR ALUMNI ARE SAYING
Bermuda 2019 and the earlier testimonial match against Paul James’ Select XV in the summer has been my first experience of classic rugby and the Classic Lions in particular. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself both on and off the field and would love to continue to be part of this great set up!
I’ve been lucky enough to tour with the Classic Lions on a number of occasions; having only recently fully retired from the game I find classic rugby to be a great reason to stay fit and active both physically and mentally – whilst keeping in touch with the sport on my own terms. I’d recommend to anyone.
I was fortunate enough to tour with the Classic Lions in Bermuda 2019. I had a fantastic experience both on and off the field and made some great rugby connections as a result! I would certainly be back for more given the opportunity. Thanks guys!
I’d heard a lot of positive things about Classic Lions and the Bermuda tour in particular from other former international players so was delighted when given the opportunity to experience it for myself! What a fantastic platform for former players to keep in touch with the game and their peers.
What a fantastic concept classic rugby and the Classic Lions in particular really is. It is one of those rugby experiences that most players want to have and one I will certainly never forget! Long may it continue!
A big thanks to Allan and the Classic Lions for inviting me to represent them! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the side and had an opportunity to take to the field once again with players that I’d played with throughout my career. I’d recommend the experience to any former player.
Classic Lions is a side that almost every former player would love the opportunity to receive an invitation to join at a tournament! Being fortunate enough to play a small part of their history is something I am pleased to have on my rugby CV. Thanks guys!
Great team, great series and great location! I’m delighted to have had the opportunity of playing for the Classic lions and experience all that being in the classic set up has to offer! Thanks Allan and the team.
I used to play hockey a lot as a kid, but stopped a few years ago. Now it ffels incredible to bact on the ring. I love this place, and the coach is great. Thanks for the awesome time!
I absolutely loved having the opportunity to represent the Classic Lions in Bermuda and getting the chance to experience what the tournament is all about. It is a fantastic team, and long may it continue for future former players!
The Classic Lions is a team that I was involved with from its very inception. The culture and ethos of the Lions is something that can benefit former players both on and off the field and I’m very proud to have played my part in the journey!
Joining the Classic Lions for a tour of Bermuda was a fantastic experience in a beautiful setting. Having grown up watching the tournament being aired 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.
It 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 keep involved with the game that has formed such a major part of their lives. As well as keep in contact with players they have played with or against along the way!
I have absolutely loved the time spent with Classic Lions after my playing career came to an end, having made many more friends and happy memories from this wonderful game! Long may it continue!
Having been involved with the Lions from the very beginning in 1997 is has been a pleasure seeing the team grow to become a household name in the classic rugby sector. Given its recent investment activity and exciting future plans may it continue and develop for another 30 years!
WATCH THE CLASSIC LIONS
The Classic Lions play invitational fixtures around the globe, as those players who have earned the honour of representing the Home Nations come together once again.
Some of the greatest rugby icons of all-time combine once again for Classic Lions to show off their tremendous power, agility and skill on the rugby field.
Join our Pride and support the Classic Lions!
CLASSIC LIONS CHARITY SUPPORT
The Classic Lions provides an outlet for ex professional players to continue playing on their own terms and with their piers for the love of the game and provide an outlet for them to keep involved in a team environment and keep active both physically and mentally.
As a result we support a number of mental health charities and programmes to go the extra mile in supporting our sporting heroes in their post career.
News & Events
The Classic Lions played in Paul James’ testimonial match at the home of Neath Rugby Club – The Gnoll – in July 2019. Twenty-eight full internationals, including five Test Lions and an All Black, featured in the entertaining fixture that underlined the former Wales prop’s enduring popularity. Classic Lions: Delon Armitage, Richard Carter, Matt Jess, Dave Tiueti, Allan Bateman, Dafydd…
From the early 1970s, Bermuda has played host to many of the world’s most famous international players – and it all started with the Easter Classic which involved just one match on Easter Sunday: the Bermuda-Irish against Bermuda. Many long-lasting friendships were built over the years, and in 1988 the first World Rugby Classic was started. Bermuda quickly became the meeting…
The Classic Lions were edged out by the USA Classic Eagles in the Plate semi-finals of the World Rugby Classic in Bermuda. In an entertaining clash it was the USA who emerged victorious as the Lions lost a second game in the tournament. The Lions had earlier been defeated 17-5 by the Classic Springboks in a hard-fought opening round clash…