Irishman'' got first-hand evidence of how the World Rugby Classic is growing in stature around the globe.

Classic president John Kane hosted a reception on the eve of the South Africa-New Zealand final, where rugby officials from around the world got their first glimpse of a one-hour television programme produced during last year's event.

The Classic drew accolades from rugby officials from various countries, and the South Africans rolled out the red carpet for Kane as they once again expressed gratitude for being included for the first time last year.

Their Bermudian odyssey kicked off eight months of festivities which culminated in their dramatic World Cup victory over New Zealand last month.

Kane met with Craig Jamieson, managing director for the World Cup and team manager for the Springboks in Bermuda, along with Carel du Plessis, one of the greatest players to emerge from that part of the world.

That appreciation was front and centre in an article written by former Springbok Nick Mallett in a special edition of South African Rugby Magazine, produced for the World Cup. Mallett, a number eight, was a key member of the side which played here last autumn.

"One of the things that came out in conversations with Jamieson and du Plessis was just how much the Classic did for South African rugby,'' Kane said yesterday during an interview at his Hamilton office.

Wrote Mallett, a fan-favourite during the Springboks tour here: "We, as South African rugby players had never been welcomed anywhere before, flour bombs and demonstrations were the norm of our time.

"What a marvellous occasion this was and what a wonderful opportunity to get to know our fellow South Africans. Our side contained hard Afrikaaners from the northern expanse of the country, coloured players from the apartheid past, English speakers from Natal and Cape Town and, most miraculously, players from the old South African Rugby Union body who had refused to play with or against us during the bleak years.

"The tour gave us all a feeling of what might have been. We laughed and drank and mocked and bickered and danced and sang like any normal rugby team on tour always does. In 10 days we learned more about one another than we ever had in 30 years of living in our separate communities...we proudly waved our new flag and played in jerseys that comprised its cheerful colours. We were applauded and supported and welcomed as never before... and we are grateful for this chance.'' The South Africans will be back for the eighth Classic later this year, while Argentina are expected to bring a full side for the first time.

Kane, wearing a brightly-coloured World Cup tie, also revealed that Australia -- banned in 1994 because of bawdy skits during the popular Number One Shed party -- had expressed an interest in making a return to the Classic.

The chief executive of Powerscourt Group said he was not surprised how the Classic has blossomed into the biggest event each year on the rugby calendar.

Kane credited the people who work with him each year -- David Mutch, Fraser Butterworth, Kim White, John Ryall on the executive committee, along with Ken Finsness, Janice Burns, Ed Lawrence, Michael Jenkins, Wendy Harlow and hundreds of volunteers and hosts.

"Major companies from around the world want to get involved in sponsorship,'' said Kane. "I can see the Classic raising to new levels in the next two years.''