One of the Island's premier sporting and social events kicks off this weekend at the National Sports Club in Devonshire.

The World Rugby Classic will bring some of the world's most famous rugby players to Bermuda as well as a healthy dose of food, music and dancing.

Rugby players are infamous for their ability to party the night away and this year's Classic will offer spectators plenty of apres-match entertainment.

For, following every game at the National Sports Club, there will be live entertainment at the Touchline Tavern -- located behind the bleachers, next to the World Rugby Classic Shop.

And on Friday, November 13, a massive soiree will be held at he Number One Shed on Front Street.

The festivities will get underway at 8 p.m. and will feature food and live music by the Irish party band, The Heartbeats. Tickets for the Up Front party are $20 per person.

And Ireland's Celtic cousins, the Scots, are also tempting fate on `Black Friday' with a shindig of their own at the Mariner's Club, starting at 6 p.m.

The week-long festivities will cumulate on Saturday, November 14, in the Touchline Tavern.

Once the winners of the Classic are presented with their trophy, The Heartbeats will again kick off the celebration.

And a day at the Classic doesn't mean that you have to leave the little ones at home with a babysitter.

Organisers have made provisions to entertain youngsters while mum and dad take in a match.

A special children's supervised play area, complete with fun castle, will be set up next to the main parking area.

And parents will also be able to get munchies to fill little tummies from one of the two, full-service food areas.

Children under the age of 14, who are accompanied by an adult, will be admitted to the Classic free of charge. Admission for adults will be $12 per person or $50 for a five-day pass.

For more information 295-8495, fax 292-1196, e-mail http://www.bermuda.bm/worldrugby.