Rugby Classic for the first time, it was disclosed yesterday.

But Classic president John Kane stressed the team would not participate at the expense of Bermuda's rugby squad.

Two years ago, the Island team only competed at the eleventh hour after Australia were forced to withdraw, and they produced their best performance to date with a 13-5 win over South Africa.

When questioned yesterday on whether Bermuda would be forced to drop out, Kane responded: "Good grief, no. We are actually looking at France; we have not been happy with the French participation in the last couple of years.'' The French approach in 1998, when they were led by international rugby's most capped player Philippe Sella, and last year, was disappointing, the veterans side of the World Cup finalists being trounced twice by Canada and also by the US and Argentina. Last year, organisers were also unimpressed when Gallic tempers flared as Canada got the better of them by the margin of 36-3.

Still, Kane has not counted anyone out until the Spain-Portuguese side have confirmed they will come.

The invitation came about after All Blacks player Bruce Hemera, who is currently coaching in the region, expressed an interest on behalf of the two countries.

Australian great Michael Lynagh, meanwhile, has been approached by the Lions to play for them.

Kane said: "I saw him in Dublin recently and he said it was the one cap he hasn't got.'' The Lions and New Zealand are both expected to bolster their squads after they failed to make last year's final, in which Argentina beat Canada.

The Lions, who are due to take part, along with New Zealand, in the Far East Classic in Japan in May, have issued invitations to some only recently retired internationals for this year's event, which will be known as the Millennium Classic.

Among those on their party list are former England centre Jeremy Guscott, countryman John Bentley, Alan Taite of Scotland, and Robert Jones, Richard Webster and Alan Bateman of Wales.

The Classic is reverting to its normal Sunday to Saturday schedule this year -- from November 12 to 18 -- although the final will be played on Saturday evening rather than in the afternoon.