Cricket Board of Control appear intent on moving forward.

News this week that an intensive international programme at under-15, under-19 and senior level had been thrashed out with other regional countries in Toronto over the weekend will be welcomed by those who have long argued the Island's lack of success overseas has had more to do with a dearth of quality competition than it has with our players' lack of talent.

In a country as small as ours, no matter how good the players, matches against one another are never going to bring out the true potential of those with exceptional skill.

That comes only with international exposure, starting from the early teens and carrying through to senior level.

While Bermuda in recent years have been regular participants in events such as the International Youth Tournament, the ICC Trophy and the Red Stripe Bowl, as well as the odd tour to Toronto, our preparation for these trips has largely been restricted to domestic games.

And as we've seen from the results, such preparation simply isn't good enough.

Now, with BCBC chief El James having met with representatives of the ICC, West Indies Board and officials from Canada, the USA, Cayman Islands and Argentina, and agreed on a seven year programme involving a series of competitions both home and away, there's a real incentive for every local player who dreams of taking part in the World Cup.

Both the youth and senior leagues should become more competitive as players vie for places in the various national squads and that itself will help raise standards.

But the success of this new programme will ultimately hinge on the players themselves, some of whom often fail to recognise the importance of self-discipline.

A number of high profile incidents in recent seasons have detracted from much of the good work achieved by the current administration.

If we can eliminate or at least limit such occurrences, there's every chance Bermuda can again take its rightful place on the world stage in a game which historically we've been considered among the best of non-Test playing countries.

*** FLAIR, fitness and dogged determination made Argentina worthy champions of this week's World Rugby Classic.

And their victory will likely serve as a wake-up call to the sport's traditional powers -- sending a clear message that experience alone counts for little in a tournament which has become increasingly competitive.

The mere suggestion of a Pumas-Canada final would have been laughed at two or three years ago.

But Argentina's mauling of the Lions and Canada's defeat of the All Blacks in two semi-finals which were supposed to go the other way shows the tide has turned.

Wining, dining, partying and golf are still an essential ingredient of this annual festival which features mostly players who are past their prime.

But the final result this year might ensure a little less socialising and a tad more preparation when the top sides return next November.

New Zealand's defeat against the French in last month's World Cup was considered a national disaster.

And while the Classic can't quite compare with the World Cup, their latest humiliation at the hands of Canada won't be greeted too kindly when news filters back to a country which eats, drinks and sleeps rugby.

The end result should, however, ensure a much tougher All Blacks outfit next year and in turn more fierce competition in an event which is firmly established as one of the true gems on Bermuda's sporting calendar.

-- ADRIAN ROBSON