than make up for in terms of international caps.

The two nations are set to join forces for the annual Island event next month and boast between their ranks 25 players with 605 international appearances.

Three of the team alone can boast 225 caps! Spanish trio, Julio Ruiz de Temino (75 caps), Albert Navio (74) and Jon Azkargorta bring a wealth of playing knowledge to the Iberian line-up, while Portugal provide Nuno Macieira Durao, who is one short of his national half century.

"This team is going to be a commentator's nightmare,'' joked Classic President, John Kane. "Rugby has quite a history in the region and it is interesting to note that the two giants of Poruguese football, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, established rugby clubs in 1921 just 13 years after the game was introduced into the country.'' In Spain, the game was formalised in 1923 with the establishment of the Spanish Rugby Federation and there are now more than 15,000 players there and close to 250 clubs.

The Bermuda public will get its first view of the joint side on November 13 -- a public holiday.

Monday has been renamed `Hats on for the Classic' Day, when the best men and women's hats, will win a prize.

Meanwhile anyone interested in hosting some of the visiting players and taking advantage of the benefits available should contact Hilda Matcham on 295 1378 during office hours.