Despite damage to the National Sports Centre, the World Rugby Classic will still go ahead next month, President John Kane said yesterday.

The event, which runs from October 11 to 18, is facing "a number of challenges" Kane said, but he stressed he was determined it would go on.

"The Classic will be seen around the world and it will be a major opportunity for Bermuda to overcome the adverse publicity of Hurricane Fabian," said Kane. "The television programme will show Bermuda back in business and it will show people having a great time at the Classic, on the beaches and on the golf courses. It is an opportunity which we can't afford to miss."

The Stadium suffered damage to its lighting but it is hoped to have this rectified in time for the first match.

"The Stadium will be up and working with the lights back in order," Kane said. "We have to overcome the problem of the wrecked seating but we believe using all the resources available that we can get the seating back in shape."

The biggest headache for the event surrounds sleeping arrangements.

"Our major problem is accommodation in that our host hotel, the Fairmont Southampton, is out of action and, with the Jazz Festival overlapping for a few days, accommodation at the other hotels is limited," Kane said.

"We do host about 50 percent of the teams and their wives in private homes but this year we are going to have to try and increase that percentage.

"It will be difficult since a lot of people suffered damage to their homes. However, we still have four weeks to go."

Kane called on the public to help out if they could.

"We are trying to get the French and South African communities involved in hosting those countries while the Iberian team, comprising both Spanish and Portuguese players, will also need to be hosted to as much an extent as possible," he said. "So we are looking for hosts. Those who have hosted in the past have found it a great way to be part of the Classic and the result has been the making of some wonderful friendships.

"We look upon our hosts as "sponsors" and as a result we try and provide them with a special hospitality package at the Classic."

Anyone interested in hosting should email the Classic (wrccastlewood.bm) or telephone 278-1428.