fortnight when the World Rugby Classic gets under way.

A total of 11 international matches will take place at Nationals in the Classic itself, including for the first time a women's clash between England the United States, and there will also be a further six games featuring local sides against visitors.

Event organiser John Kane said: "The Classic obviously holds centre stage and while last year's final, between Argentina and Canada, was one which few managed to forecast, this year is likely to prove just as tricky.

"Canada will field a more experienced team this year hoping to go one better with players having represented their country on over 250 occasions.

"Argentina will not be under-rated and with all players having represented their country in the region of 450 times, this will be a very experienced team.'' Kane said the Classic Lions and New Zealand -- perennial finalists throughout the 12 years of the Classic -- would be keen to reaffirm their positions and will be fielding a number of new players.

The Classic Lions have "retired'' a few of their stalwarts and replaced them with a number of recently retired Rugby League and Welsh internationals.

Kane said: "The new boys on the block, Portugal and Spain, will bring a whole new dimension to the Classic but this very experienced side, with nearly 600 international appearances to their credit, face New Zealand in their opening match.'' The US, who face the Lions in their opener, include a number of trialists and are an unknown quantity.

Tickets for the event are currently on sale at the office of Capital G on Reid Street.

MATCH SCHEDULE November 12: Argentina v Bermuda -- 2.00 p.m; New Zealand v Portugal/Spain -- 3.30 p.m.

13: Classic Lions v United States -- 2.00 p.m.; Canada v South Africa -- 3.30 p.m.

14: Renegades v Burlington -- 5.30 p.m.

15: Plate semi-final -- 7.00 p.m.; Classic semi-final 8.30 p.m.

16: Plate semi-final -- 7.00 p.m.: Classic semi-final 7.00 p.m.

17: British Army Veterans v New Orleans -- 5.00 p.m.; Bermuda Police v Burlington 6.30 p.m.

18: England v United States (Women's international) -- 6.00 p.m.; Plate final -- 7.15 p.m.; Classic final -- 8.30 p.m.

19: President's XV v HMS Cardiff -- 1.00 p.m.; Mariners v British Army Veterans 2.30 p.m.; Teachers v New Orleans -- 4.00 p.m.

The touring West Indies Rugby Union side -- which includes half a dozen players from Bermuda -- lost out to the Royal Navy 24-13 at Blackheath, England last night.

In very cold conditions the Navy kept the ball in the forwards and never swung it wide.

When the West Indies did get the ball out to their flanks they produced exciting runs, but unfortunately they didn't get it there with any regularity.

The line-out was disappointing for the tourists, especially considering this was an area where they had hoped to do well, but their scrum held their own.

Despite the opening loss there is said to be a great spirit in the squad.