Bermuda much closer to home for rugby lovers

If you couldn't get to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup, then considerably closer to home is Bermuda's World Rugby Classic.

This year the tournament will be celebrating its 24th year with teams from New Zealand, Italy, Argentina, South Africa, Australia, Canada and the United States of America. There's also a Classic Lions team featuring a slew of former long-serving rugby internationals.

Between the 06 and 12 November they'll battle for a place in the final, on this tiny dot of an island perhaps more famous for its colonial heritage, shorts and pink beaches.  The Classic Lions were last victorious in 2008 but New Zealand has taken and retained the title since.

With spectators able to mix freely with some of the most widely respected names of international rugby in a great social environment, the World Rugby Classic is an event unique in the world of sport.

Add in the ambience of Bermuda with its magnificent beaches, golf courses and an impressive and moving Remembrance Day Parade on the 11 November and you've got the makings of a must-see annual sporting fixture.

Join the team players and international press by staying at the official World Rugby Classic hotel, the Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda where Classic Collection Holidays (classic-collection.co.uk) is offering 7 nights from £1698 per person. Price based on 2 adults sharing on a room only basis and includes return flights with BA from Gatwick to Bermuda and private transfers.