Such is the popularity of next month's World Rugby Classic that one of the stars of the event will be arriving economy class.

Former New Zealand All Black Justin Marshall will have to sit at the back of a very full bus on next Sunday's BA flight to Bermuda.

He's not the only one. A Bermuda XV normally open procedings against a touring team, and this year were due to do the same against Lloyds.

Like Marshall however, Lloyds can't get to the Island –until Sunday, and so the game will now be on Wednesday, –November 10.

"BA are booked out on Friday and Sunday, we're expecting a lot of overseas visitors that weekend," said John Kane, the president of the World Rugby Classic.

"Originally we had everyone booked to come out on BA on the Saturday, but what happened was that BA cancelled that flight, so we had to move everyone to Friday.

Lloyds were basically told that there was no space and they had to come on Sunday.

"At the moment we've got Justin Marshall coming out on the Sunday, he's in the back of the plane because we can't get him in the front yet, and we're working very hard on that and hoping that he does come and doesn't say 'I'm not coming in the back of the plane'.

"I'm wondering when the last time Justin Marshall travelled coach was, we're hoping he won't have to this time, but we've got good connections at BA and hoping we'll get him moved.

"It's important for us because we want him to do some tv work for us as well."

Marshall is just one of a host of big name stars who are playing in the event this year.

Former All Blacks Ali Williams and Filo Tia Tia are also due to take part, while Australia have picked their strongest team for several years.

The Classic Wallabies' selection policy for this year was that a minimum requirement was for a player to have played 7s rugby for Australia, or Super rugby.

As such, they have the likes of full back Matthew Pini (eight caps, 12 for Italy) and backrower Mark Connors (20 caps) among their ranks.

"I have a sneaking feeling that Australia are coming to win this thing," said Kane.

"They're a little bit stronger than they have been in recent years, and a lot more determined.

"I think the Australian Rugby Union is involved in some shape or form, so I think they're coming to win, although I usually give them the kiss of death when I say that."

As usual the event will play a large part on the corporate social calendar, and the economic slump doesn't appear to have detered businesses from getting involved.

A variety of investment houses are bringing in clients for the week, while the Bank of New York have once again taken one of the corporate tents that are available.

"They (Bank of NY) are here for three nights, which is good, all we need is for the weather to behave," said Kane.

"We have space for eight (corporate) tents a day, last year we only put in the eighth tent on the Thursday and Saturday, the last two days, but we've put them in this year, and they are all sold.

"It's a business week, and it's how a lot of people entertain."

In order to cater to the demands of the corporate clients, the Classic will have a slightly different look to it this year.

The bleachers will be moved to behind the posts, while the main after-game entertainment will also be relocated.

"Over the years we have experimented with different things, last year we put the seats in front of the corporate tents, and a lot of people didn't like that," said Kane. "So what we've done is moved the seating to either end of the ground now, and opened up the front of the tents, so you can see straight out on to the field.

'We've moved the tent tavern out from that rocky area by the gate and that's changed totally, so it's on the grass now down towards the Devonshire Rec end, and we're essentially making that a big sort of Spanish Town, and building that up as the place to be."

As far as the general public are concerned, Kane is hoping they come out and support the event in large numbers.

And he hopes that bringing the merchandise that is sold during the week into the 21 Century will help matters.

In the past the biggest grumble has been the complete lack of team shirts on sale. This year a limited number of them have been brought in, and Kane is expecting them to be snapped up.

"We have a whole new range of merchandise, including a limited number of team shirts, there almost limited edition.

"Every country will be represented, and we will start selling them at the opening party on the Friday night, and will open the tent at the field on the Saturday from noon till 3pm so people can buy shirts before the first games."