Rugby enthusiasts will be treated to more fast-paced clashes over the coming days as the World Rugby Classic returns to the Island this weekend.

And organisers are promising another blockbusting year of length-of-the field runs, crunching tackles, quick hands and the mandatory ?disagreements? as the unofficial under-35 World Cup stars get to grips with each other.

South Africa blazed a trail last year, employing a number of recently-retired stars to set new highs in fitness and skill and claim the crystal trophy with a victory over World Cup winner Bob Dwyer?s Australia.

And, following the success of Francois Pienaar?s side last year, Classic president John Kane is expecting other sides to pack in the stronger players ? as in younger ? this time around.

?They set a standard last year and were as dominant as the New Zealand sides that won this event five or six times in a row,? said Kane, whose tournament is expanding again, with corporate sales already 1,000 up on last year.

?The aim has always been to get players to come pretty much straight from retirement into the Classic although with more rugby being played at this time of year, coaching and media work is keeping some players away.

?But we certainly are seeing players come in straight from top-class rugby and the South Africans demonstrated that last year. I know the French, who had a few contre-temps with them in the semi-finals last year, are going to be stronger.

?And the Australians, who probably learnt a lot in their first year back after an 11-year absence, will be coming ready to compete again.?

Kane also feels that the Americans and Canadians, who are often out-classed by their more experienced international opponents, are going to be raising their standards.

The Lions, who had 30 players unable to make the trip due to other commitments, have a strong side including Kenny Logan, capped 70 times by Scotland, who will also be one of the guest speakers at the Friday night dinner ? now set to be a regular fixture following the success of last year?s effort by World Cup winning skipper Martin Johnson.

Following the success of last year?s no kicking rule, and in consultation with captains, there will be no law changes this time around, organisers sticking to the tried and test format that meant more flowing rugby in last year?s competition.

On the corporate side of the field, larger bleachers are being brought in to increase the viewing area, with the tents themselves being pushed back while the other side of the pitch is once again expected to be manned with the usual mix of ex-pats from the rugby playing nations as well as locals.

?Although it would be fair to say we haven?t attracted as many of the black Bermudian population as we would have liked,? said Kane, speaking frankly in response to criticism by some that the event is just an ?ex-pat drinking festival?.

?Those who do come out have said to me that they wished they had done so before. We are looking to provide top-class sport in a convivial atmosphere for all and we would encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the spectacle.?

He also added that the event, beamed worldwide byboth Sky Sports and Fox, amounted to ?a fantastic opportunity to gain the Island exposure? and that he knew of large numbers of visitors coming to the Island just to catch a glimpse of their former rugby heroes.

The big names include Jean Luc Sadourny, Emile N?tamack, Philippe Berbezier and Olivier Roumat from France, Nigel Heslop and Logan from the Lions, Steve McDowell for the All Blacks, Naka Drotske, Rassie Erasmus and Jan Harm van Wyk ? who couldn?t stop scoring tries last year ? for the Springboks and Damian Smith and Tian Strauss for the Aussies.

The action all kicks off on Sunday with the defending champions taking on the Canadians while the Lions take on Team America.

On Monday, France and Argentina go head to head in what should be a physical encounter and then the Aussies and the All Black clash in an Anzac game.

Bermuda?s national side get an unexpected fillip due to the lack of suitable opposition to fly in. Having played Cayman two years ago, a weak Atlanta Renegades side last year, next Saturday in the opening match of finals day they will play the loser of Wednesday?s plate semi-final, heavily tipped to be one of the North American sides.