This year?s World Rugby Classic will boast a line-up of top former internationals who have represented 15 countries.

The eight-team tournament, being held here from November 7-13, has attracted names like John Leslie, who turned out for Scotland 23 times; ex-Kiwi and Wales player Shane Howarth as well as Ross Thompson, Andy Miller and Steve Milne all of whom played international rugby for Japan.

Dylan Mika, who earned two caps for Samoa and seven for New Zealand, is also slated to compete as are former Samoa international Junior To?nu and Amosa Amosa who played on the wing 12 times for the Cook Islands.

All these players will represent New Zealand in the Classic and the event?s international flavour is evident in other teams as well. For example, the Barbarians draw their players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales while Australia will have Fijian lock, Samuela Domini, in their midst.

Add South Africa, Argentina, Canada, the USA and France to the mix and this year?s Classic has a decidedly United Nations air about it. Three other top personalities to look out for are South Africans Joost van der Westhuizen ? that country?s most-capped player with 89 appearances ? Pieter Rossouw (43 caps) and flanker Johan Erasmus.

Away from the field, one of week?s highlights will be the charity dinner honouring former England captain Martin Johnson on November 9 at the Fairmont Southampton.

Francois Pienaar, South Africa?s winning 1995 World Cup captain, is among the guest speakers at what is expected to be a sold-out event. Former England captain and outstanding hooker, Peter Wheeler, will also attend.

Bermuda, through the World Rugby Classic, is one of nine worldwide destinations chosen to host testimonial dinners for Johnson. Monies from ticket sales at each dinner will be given to various global and local charities.

Trips to major sporting events, including rugby international and autographed sporting memorabilia will be auctioned at the dinners which have already been held in Auckland, Sydney and Singapore. Others are scheduled for Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Dubai, Paris and London. The initiative could raise as much as ?500,000.

Johnson is considered one of the greatest players of all time having captained England 39 times in 84 appearances for his country, with the highlight coming last November when he held aloft the Rugby World Cup in Sydney after England?s dramatic win over hosts Australia. He is also the only player to have captained the Lions on two tours ? South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001.

Since the dinner falls during the World Rugby Classic, the Island will host one of the year?s greatest gatherings of rugby internationals.