biggest ever with confirmation that Argentina and Canada will be fully represented for the first time, bringing the total number of competing teams to eight.

The pair join New Zealand, South Africa, England, Celtic Barbarians (Ireland, Scotland and Wales), United States and Bermuda.

Argentina, having sent players to last year's Classic to play in the Bermuda squad, requested full representation as a result of having obtained sponsorship from Argentina Airlines. This opportunity arose because of the world-wide television coverage of last year's Classic and the increasing commercial attractiveness of the event to international companies.

Similarly, Canada, who also provided players for the local team, were invited to become the eighth team, an invitation readily sanctioned by the Canadian Rugby Union and accepted by their players.

Due to the increase in participants, the Classic will revert to a knock-out format with the first round losers going into the plate competition.

In an effort to fill the holes now left in the Bermuda squad, Classic president John Kane is considering adding internationals from France, Japan as well as South Pacific players based in Europe.

"Japan, in particular, have been very interested in sending a team and this will provide them with an opportunity see the Classic first hand,'' said Kane.

"France, having been participants in the early years, are keen to return particularly as they have a new batch of recently retired internationals.

(And) with Australia chomping at the bit, the Classic is starting to get a bit crowded.

"The appeal of rugby, particularly following this year's World Cup and the international television exposure has meant that both potential sponsors and international players are getting a better idea of what the Classic is all about and they like what they see.

"Last year's Classic was seen around the world and next month is due to go out on ESPN in the States. For this year, Yorkshire television will be returning to produce a programme for ITV in the UK and around the world in January, 1996.'' John Kane