Ireland will be “fully loaded” with eight grand-slam winners when they return to the World Rugby Classic after an absence of more than 25 years.

The Irish, who have replaced New Zealand for the Classic’s 30th anniversary, as one of the five teams from the inaugural event in 1988, boast the likes of Gordon D’Arcy, Peter Stringer and Donnacha O’Callaghan in their squad.

They will be joined by Marcus Horan, Tomás O’Leary, Malcolm O’Kelly, David Wallace and Paddy Wallace, who also helped Ireland claim the Grand Slam in 2009 — their first in 61 years.

Ireland’s star-studded line-up should more than compensate for not having the All Blacks among the eight teams at this year’s Classic, which runs from November 4 to 11.

New Zealand, last year’s runners-up, have been dropped from the tournament because of financial constraints, with John Kane, the Classic president, revealing the decision will save about $50,000 in airfare and open up new sponsorship and hospitality opportunities.

Ireland will instead join defending champions Argentina, Canada, France, Italy, South Africa, the United States, and the Classic Lions, who will again be captained by Irishman David Corkery.

Also included in the Classic Lions squad are former England pair Olly Barkley and Ollie Smith, Welsh trio Adam Jones, Ceri Sweeney and Ryan Powell, and Scottish quintet Richie Vernon, Ryan Grant, Sean Lamont, Rob Dewey and Allister Hogg

Ireland will face France in their first game on the opening day of the competition, while the Classic Lions will take on Italy.

The opening match of the competition will pit Canada against South Africa.

Defending champions Argentina, who beat New Zealand 15-5 in last year’s final, will play the United States on the second day of the competition.