year's World Classic.

Philippe Sella of France, currently playing for Saracens but due to retire in May, will lead a French international squad to the Island for the November 8-14 tournament.

Gavin Hastings has already confirmed he will captain a Classic Lions team, meaning the world's top rugby nations -- New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Argentina, Canada and the United States -- will all be represented.

"This is part of our concerted effort to firmly establish the Classic on its tenth anniversary, as the Senior World Cup,'' tournament president John Kane said.

The addition of France and Australia will see Classic costs increase by about $85,000 but Kane said he was attempting to attract new international sponsorship.

Kane attended the recent Bermuda Marketplace in London and, combined with a one-hour special on the 1997 Classic being shown on European television this week, expects to see an increase in overseas spectators this year.