For the past five years, Mike Harvey, the United States flyer, has epitomised the passion and exuberance of the Rugby Classic.

The speed merchant has thrilled spectators with his solo sprints from one end of the field to the other.

And he has brought the Classic crowd to their feet with his fist-pumping, swashbuckling, defensive antics.

This year the Eagles’ No 11 is back in Bermuda again, eyeing the Classic Lions and another early upset.

“Come Sunday afternoon we are going to be up for it, there is no doubt about that,” Harvey said.

“There is a lot of excitement around the squad and we know we have a chance.

“We had excellent preparation before our first game against the Aussies last year and we came out on top in that one. Not many people would have thought we stood a chance at the start of that game.”

Last year’s 15-12 victory against Australia, the defending champions, left an emotional Harvey fighting back the tears, such was the pride he and his team took from the Herculean performance.

Tomorrow they will need to recreate the same passion and intensity if they are to stand a chance against the Classic Lions, who have the biggest support on the island.

Harvey said: “There’s no reason why we can’t do the same against the Lions and upset the odds again.

“It will be a big occasion for sure, and we will be looking to match those guys and play some good rugby.”

Island living has become Harvey’s new way of life since he and his family moved from Texas to Hawaii, his wife’s homeland, in March.

Since arriving in the Aloha State, he has thrown himself into the local rugby scene and joined the Hawaiian Harlequins side, as well as taking up a coaching role with a girls’ team.

He said: “I always look forward to coming back to Bermuda, right from the moment when I get on the plane to leave at the end of the Classic.

“I’m really excited about the chance to get out there again.

“We have a strong squad; there’s a few new faces and few old ones. I guess at 40 I’m one of the older ones, but I’m still in pretty good shape.

“I’ll be hoping that I still have the speed to cause the Lions a few problems.”

The US Eagles take on the Classic Lions at 4pm tomorrow at North Field.

The opening encounter of the day pits Italy against South Africa at 2.45pm.