the news that 13 countries will be participating in the festival that will be held at National Sports Club from November 4-11.

The cosmopolitan teams of the eight that will be on show are hosts Bermuda and Europe.

Bermuda's side will be supplemented by internationals from Argentina and Canada while Europe present a combination French, Dutch, Italian and Portuguese players.

Some of the greatest names to have played the sport will again glorify Nationals with champions New Zealand again boasting Andy Haden, who won 41 caps for his country from 1977-85.

Colin Deans of Scotland is the most capped international to be confirmed for the fifth Classic -- he played in 52 internationals from 1978-87 and he is closely followed by compatriot Andy Irvine (51) while the other Scots with senior status are Keith Robertson (44 caps) and Ian Milne (42 caps).

Those confirmed to play for Bermuda are Mark Wyatt and Bo Hindson of Canada and Rafael Madero and Ricardo Baetti of Argentina who have 123 caps between them, their international careers only just ending.

The most recent international is Paul Ackford who won his 27th cap for England this year. Steve Smith and Huw Davies are the other Englishmen of note who are Bermuda-bound.

England, beaten finalists last year, will be the local team's first opponents when the Classic kicks off under the lights on November 3 at 6.30 p.m.

Favourites New Zealand will fave Europe in the nightcap at 8 p.m. while on the following night, Australia play Ireland and Scotland meet Wales.