Australia will make a long-awaited return to Bermuda when the 17th Annual World Rugby Classic takes place in November.

It will be the first time in 11 years that the men from Down Under will run out at the event, which this year takes place between November 7 and 14.

One of the most popular events on the international sporting calendar, the Classic has achieved an enviable reputation for great rugby and social events.

The Classic, which features former top players once again representing their countries in international competition, encompasses 11 international matches over the course of the Classic Week, including a womens international between the British Isles and the United States.

"This year defending champions France will also be joined by New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, the Barbarians, Canada and 2003 beaten finalists, the United States," said Classic President John Kane.

All the games are played at the National Sports Centre, the venue for the Classic since 2000.

The 2003 Classic, which was seen on television around the world on Fox

Sports and Sky Sports, attracted some of the top names from international rugby's recent past including: Olivier Roumat (61 caps) France; Alan Bateman (35 caps) Wales; Colin Deans (52 caps) Scotland; Diego Cuesta Silva (64 caps) Argentina; Gareth Rees (55 caps) Canada; Steve McDowell (46 caps) New Zealand; Brendan Venter (17 caps) South Africa and Craig Hartley (54 caps) United States.

"This year promises to be a feast of action from day one as the French look to hold onto their title while the Australians will be anxious to make an impact on their first visit since 1992," said Kane. "Add in a revitalised New Zealand, South African and Barbarian teams, all keen to get their names back on the

trophy, and the United States determined to show their 2003 final wasn't a fluke, and you have the makings for some classic encounters."