it an even more global event, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

The future of the Classic -- one of Bermuda's premier sporting attractions -- has been up in the air since it was announced that Montessori Academy had purchased Nationals in Devonshire, its home since the early '70s.

Development at the site meant the Classic would be unable to utilise all the space it had been afforded previously and organisers began the search for a new base.

It had been widely rumoured that the Classic was seeking to move to the National Sports Centre on Frog Lane and that was confirmed yesterday by event president John Kane.

In making the announcement, Kane also said discussions were being held about increasing the number of teams taking part, after some countries, not currently part of the set-up, had expressed an interest in joining in.

"We have, over the past few months, been looking at various venues around the Island now that National Sports Club can no longer accomodate us,'' said Kane.

"We have been served well by Nationals over the years but, with an extension to the buildings being undertaken by Montessori, we would have been unable to set out the field as we have done in the past.'' Some of the greatest names in rugby have graced the Nationals field since 1972 when Tom Kiernan came for what was then the Easter Classic.

Over the years such names as David Campese, Rob Andrew, Clive Woodward, Donal Lenihan, Jeremy Guscott and Jonathan Davies have appeared when they were at the peak of their careers.

"Anywhere else in the world souvenir hunters would be taking away pieces of the ground,'' joked Kane. "But times move on and we couldn't have found a better venue than the new extension to the National Sports Centre.'' Kane said the move would not have been possible without the help of others.

"We have received tremendous support from the Trustees of the Centre, in particular Donald Lines, Charlie Marshall and Gerard Bean, and their vision of the Centre fits in with what we are trying to achieve -- a first class international sporting event in a first class setting,'' said Kane.

"It is a setting which will be in keeping with the image of Bermuda and one which will be seen all around the world on television.

"There is still a good deal of work to be done at the Centre, including the installation of new lights and the building of the pavilion, but this is a long-term partnership and, when all the work is completed, Bermuda will have a first class facility.'' Kane said he hoped the move would give the event "an extra spring'' and help attract new sponsors in order to take the Classic to a new level.

"Both Italy and Australia requested participation this year and, with France and England wishing to participate on an individual basis, the number of teams could increase from eight to 12 in the not-too-distant future,'' Kane said.

"However, such a development requires sponsorship and, hopefully, 20 hours of international television coverage will be attractive from a commercial aspect.

"We have received great support from the community over the years, including our army of volunteers who are as keen as ever and we look forward to this new stage of the Classic with great enthusiasm and anticipation.''