France rugby team this weekend.

The visitors are due to arrive today for games on Friday and Sunday at National Sports Club against their hosts as well as a Renegades President's XV, which will include several guest players from the other three local clubs.

Philippe Daubas, a two-time player in the Bermuda Easter Classic, is the coach of the French team, which also includes players from Racing Club de France and Toulon.

Racing Club, based in Paris, recently earned their way to the finals of the French championship, while perennial title contenders, Toulon, are based in south west France, steeped in rugby tradition.

Renegades' captain Dan Forsythe said that he was hopeful of a good turn-out by the public for what he expects to be very entertaining rugby.

"The French are known for their willingness to run and flair with the ball,'' said Forsythe, "so they should be very open contests.

"The President's XV also have a lot of good runners in the backs who like to get forward.'' Forsythe also emphasised the need to have an influx of talent to stimulate interest in the sport.

"People seem to want to come out and watch good rugby.'' "We only have four teams here and everybody knows each others' strengths and weaknesses and you have a chance to prepare for them. This is an opportunity to gauge what standard we're at by playing against complete strangers.'' It was hinted that Daubas was anxious to come to Bermuda after attending last year's Easter Classic.

The Friday match starts at 5.30 p.m, while the final game begins at 3 p.m.

Renegades President's XV: Neil Alexander, Jonathan Harris, Danny Forsythe, Ashley Redmond, Danny Cozens, Patrick Cooper, Andy Cook, Richard Raistrick, Gareth Davies, Alan Oliver, Alvin Harvey, Dave Conway, Scott Correia, Matt Gorman, Phil Heaney.

GUEST STAR -- Scott Correia (12) will be one of a number of players assisting Renegades this weekend.