anniversary edition of the World Rugby Classic.

Tournament president John Kane last week went so far as to predict it will be the best so far. "We have been moving in a particular direction over the past few years and, this year, I think, a lot of our long-term plans are going to bear fruit.'' Kane said he remained determined to attract top countries and players to the Island for the November 9-14 tournament.

Gavin Hastings of Scotland, who captained the 1993 Lions to New Zealand and played 61 times for his country, has confiremd he will captain the Classic Lions in Bermuda and will be involved in promoting it.

Kane added that he expected to meet with Philipe Sella of France, the world's most capped player, to sort out details of France's participation while Roger Gould has confirmed that Australia will take part. New Zealand, South Africa, United States and Canada are also returning. But while his intentions are to make the event "the Seniors World Cup of Rugby,'' Kane said there would be changes -- beginning this year.

"We are going to revamp some of the supporting events of the Classic,'' he said. "I felt last year we were too commercial with the social events and less unique. The players want it to be special and so do the supporters and we intend to deliver.'' Kane added that NBC had approached him about broadcasting the 1998 Classic in Europe and Asia. The 1997 version was shown in over 150 countries on ESPN International and will be seen on Channel 5 in the UK later this month and on Sky Sports in March.

Officials will further promote the Classic to tour operators, potential sponsors, airlines and other firms at the Bermuda Marketplace next month in London.