Organisers have been working at a feverish pace in a last-minute attempt to lure quality players here for the April 3 game, but many have already committed themselves to the Pilkington Cup semifinals in England or first round action of the Irish Cup.

"It's still up in the air,'' said Classic organiser John Kane yesterday. "I was prepared to announce today (yesterday) that it was going to be cancelled, but seven or eight players from last year's game have indicated they wish to return.'' Kane, who said there is a "50-50 chance the game will take place'', will make a final decision by the end of the week.

If the game is shelved, it will mark the first time since 1976 that it has been not been played. The game was also cancelled in 1974.

Last year the Bermuda Irish defeated Bermuda Invitational 64-49 in the highest-scoring game in Classic history.

With rugby interest at an all-time high following Saturday's World Cup qualifier, the absence of the second-biggest event on the Bermuda rugby calendar (after the World Rugby Classic) would be a crushing blow for fans.

"We just haven't received a good response from quality players,'' said Kane.

"It would be disappointing. This has become a part of everybody's Easter plans for a long time. But we want players of high calibre.'' Kane said a cancellation would likely force the Classic to be moved to late April beginning next year. Overseas players find it easier to get away from their home clubs during that time.

"With the Pilkington Cup in high gear and the Irish Cup, players were also looking for a weekend off.'' Invited to play in last year's game were top British, French and Irish stars like Stuart Barnes, Niall Malone, Ben Clarke and Denis Charvet.

Another well-known player who has seen action here in the past has been Australian standout David Campese.

Kane embarked on a trip to England three weeks ago where he attempted to gauge interest in the Bermuda game.

"I knew there were problems,'' he said. "But I thought we could overcome them.'' FLASHBACK -- Stuart Barnes carries the ball during last year's Easter Classic.

This year's game is in danger of being cancelled.