Former British Lion Mike Teague will make his World Rugby Classic debut at the National Sports Club next month.

The annual extravaganza for Bermuda rugby fans again features some great names from the game, as eight nations prepare to battle it out over a week.

Teague, who won 27 caps for England and four for the Lions, will be in the Classic Lions team looking to defend the title they won last year in a fiercely contested final against the All Blacks.

And it is Bermuda who face the unenviable task of being first up against the Lions in the tournament's opening match on Wednesday, November 10.

Teams from New Zealand, South Africa, France, Argentina, Canada and the United States will also compete.

Among the best known names among the impressive line-up of former internationals are Welshman J.P.R. Williams and Jonathan Davies, Scots Gavin Hastings and Colin Deans, New Zealanders Andy Haden and Buck Shelford, Englishman Wade Dooley and Frenchman Jean Condom.

World Rugby Classic president John Kane said the event had grown in stature since the inaugural tournament in 1988.

"It's huge now,'' said Kane. "It's got a big reputation and attracts well known players from all over the world.

"It's one of the biggest sporting events of the year on the Island and we're expecting some big crowds.'' Though the Lions represent an enormous obstacle between Bermuda and the semi-finals, the Island team have proved themselves capable of killing giants.

Last year, Alvin Harvey was the local hero, scoring two tries in the home nation's remarkable 13-5 victory over South Africa.

Bermuda did themselves proud in the semi-finals too, battling manfully against the mighty All Blacks before finally finally going down 15-5.

Kane was non-commital on how he thought the Island team would fare against the champions.

"Bermuda will be fielding a young team and most of their opponents will be over 33, so they will have a slight age advantage,'' said Kane.

"It's hard to say how they will do, but they beat South Africa and ran New Zealand close last year, so you should never say never.'' The 12th Classic will have a higher profile than any previous one, thanks to wider and more extensive television coverage.

Sky TV intend to make a two-hour programme on the tournament and an additional screening in late November by Fox Sports International will give the event worldwide exposure.

The BBC and Irish television will also feature the Classic in their regular sports programmes.

Daily admission to the Classic costs $15, with five-day tickets available for $50 from the Capital G offices on Reid Street.

CLASSIC SCEDULE (All matches at the National Sports Club) Wednesday, November 10: Quarter-finals -- Bermuda v Classic Lions (A), 7.00 p.m.; Argentina v South Africa (B), 8.30 p.m.

Thursday, November 11: Quarter-finals -- Canada v France (C), 2.00 p.m.; New Zealand v United States (D), 3.30 p.m.

Saturday, November 13: Plate semi-final -- Loser A v Loser B, 2.00 p.m.

Classic semi-final -- Winner A v Winner B, 3.30 p.m.

Sunday, November 14: Plate semi-final -- Loser C v Loser D, 2.00 p.m. Classic semi-final -- Winner C v Winner D, 3.30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 16: Plate final, 7.00 p.m. Classic final, 8.30 p.m.