The next generation rugby players in Bermuda and East and Southern Africa have been given a big boost thanks to one of the Island’s leading insurance companies.

Colonial Group International, which is sponsoring the Classic Lions during the World Rugby Classic, held a quiz night earlier this week which raised $4,500 for Beyond Rugby Bermuda (https://www.facebook.com/BeyondRugbyBermuda/) and a charity it supports - the Bhubesi Pride Foundation (www.rugbyinafrica.org) – a group dedicated to bringing rugby to rural Africa

And on Wednesday hundreds of middle school students were given some rigorous rugby training by the Classic Lions players at the National Sports Centre.

It is the third time CGI has sponsored the Lions and every year it has arranged the training sessions at the NSC. It is the first time it has raised money for Beyond Rugby and Bhubesi Pride Foundation.

Naz Farrow, CGI’s CEO, said: “I hope that we have inspired some of the young people in Bermuda to pursue rugby. The sport does so much, it teaches skills and raises fitness but it also teaches respect for your opponent, good sportsmanship and friendship.”

The schools taking part were: Saltus, BHS, Warwick Academy, Clearwater Middle School, Whitney Institute, Somersfield Academy, Dellwood, Mount Saint Agnes and Sandys Middle School

• Press release from Colonial Group International