Italy have left organisers of the Bermuda Rugby Classic with a headache after pulling out of next month's event at the 11th hour.

Facing a rescheduling dilemma, Classic president John Kane was yesterday disturbed by the late withdrawal.

"I don't know what the Italian is for "deja vu" but the French did this to us a few years ago. It must be something in the wine they drink," said Kane.

"Many people are aware that we brought in Italy and moved Bermuda into another role and this has worked out well for Bermuda with the national team playing Jamaica on November 11 and 17 as part of the Classic programme.

"But the Barbarians, who were scheduled to play Italy on November 10, won't have a game until November 13 which is a bit unfair on them. So we are working with the Bermuda Rugby Union to schedule a Ten's match against the Jamaica Tens over the opening weekend."

Organisers, in the meantime, will move the game between Canada and South Africa forward from November 11 to November 10 while on November 13 a Bermuda Select will play against the losers of New Zealand and Portugal/Spain.

With Italy confirmed as absentees, organisers are now exploring having a separate England team here next year while seeking the interest of Australia and a Pacific Barbarians team as well.

"We want to continue with Bermuda playing as a national team against quality opposition during Classic Week. We believe that this is in local rugby's best interest and the support we have received from the Union on this would indicate it is the right way" said Kane.

Revised Classic schedule is as follows:

Sunday, November 10: 2 p.m. - New Zealand v Portugal/Spain (A); 3.30 p.m. - Canada v South Africa (B).

Monday, November 11: 2 p.m. - Bermuda v Jamaica; 3.30 p.m. - Argentina v United States (C).

Wednesday, November 13: 7 p.m. - Bermuda Select v Loser (A); 8.30 p.m. - Barbarians v Winner (A).

Thursday, November 14: 7 p.m. - Loser (B) v Loser (C); 8.30 p.m. - Winner (B) v Winner (A).

Sunday, November 17: 12.30 p.m. - Plate final; 1.35 - Women's International, MTR Lionesses v Golden Eagles; 3 p.m.- Bermuda v Jamaica; 4.30 p.m. - World Rugby Classic Final.