Bermuda's international rugby players are putting a positive spin on news that they will be reduced to a bit-part during this year's World Rugby Classic.

Organisers of the annual event have invited Italy to take part in the November festival and with last year's teams all saying they will be coming, there is now no room for Bermuda in the main competition.

The Island's players will, however, be part of the overall event as it is hoped to set up at least one match between Bermuda and a top North American side during the week.

Dave Worsfold, of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union (BRFU) was realistic about the move by Classic President John Kane.

"Obviously we are disappointed but the World Rugby Classic Limited a is corporate organisation and is not affiliated with the Bermuda Rugby Football Union with the teams being invited to participate by the Classic committee," he said.

Worsfold said the Bermuda team has had a long tradition with the Classic and had in the past produced some of the best moments for a crowd "who proved to be most vocal when cheering for the home team regardless of how much of a underdog we may have been."

"The Classic tournament itself grew out of the Easter Classic which saw current overseas Internationals at the time playing alongside local players in a Bermuda-Irish versus the Rest of the World fixture."

With the age limit becoming more of an issue in recent years, Worsfold said several of Bermuda's most exciting and talented players were prevented from playing last year.

"This year although we won't be part of the Classic tournament itself we will be part of the Classic week," said Worsfold. "We are in the process of trying to arrange a fixture against a development or regional side from North America or Europe.

"The game will be played as part of the Classic programme on opening day. Given the right opposition we believe this game could ultimately be the main event of the day if not the week."