THE Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel is to briefly resume operations this weekend, opening its doors to participants in this year's World Rugby Classic.

Initially scheduled to remain closed through spring because of damage caused by Hurricane Fabian, the property agreed to host the contingent after unexpected hotel closures and the coinciding Jazz Festival left a scarcity of available rooms on the island.

The offer came as a huge relief to Classic president John Kane.

"The Fairmont has been a sponsor of the Rugby Classic for a number of years and appreciates that we normally take 90 to 100 rooms," he said. "Their closure put a lot of pressure on us to replace those rooms.

"They've actually been a big help to us and have gone the extra mile on a few occasions. They said that some of the floors are fine (so) they can give us some rooms, but they can only offer very restricted service, no room service for example, although they can provide (the guests) with breakfast in the staff canteen.

"They've emphasised it is a construction site, so we're not expecting the same quality of service; the same high standard that we usually receive from the Fairmont, but they're doing it just for us. "

Staying at the hotel will be the French team, who last competed in the Classic in 1999, and the Irish band, the Heartbeats.

The accommodation crisis was the latest hurdle faced by this year's Classic. In January, organisers announced the event would have to be moved from its traditional November dates to avoid a clash with the Rugby World Cup in Australia in which a number of would-be players would be competing.

After Hurricane Fabian ravaged the island last month, the Classic realised both its host hotel, and its playing grounds had suffered. The Fairmont Southampton suffered millions of dollars worth of damage and was one of nine hotels on the island forced to close, while the National Sports Centre had its floodlights taken out and its seating ruined.

While the group remained optimistic regarding the damage to the Sports Centre, finding accommodation proved not so easy a task. A public appeal found more individuals willing to host players in their homes, but not enough, until the Fairmont stepped in and offered 22 rooms.

"They'll be here between eight and ten days," he said. "The Bermuda Regiment is helping out as well. We've put two teams of players in the barracks for the opening few days, (after which) they'll be moved out to hotels.

"Over the years we've been very lucky. The community has helped out the Classic many times. I think it's a real important event to put on for Bermuda. After Hurricane Fabian, everyone is in need of a good party and a bit of relaxation," said Mr. Kane. With the Classic televised around the world, the president added, it provided a good opportunity to showcase Bermuda post-Fabian.

q The 2003 World Rugby Classic will be held at the National Sports Centre on Frog Lane in Devonshire, between October 11 and 18. Entry is $20 daily or $75 for a five-day pass.

See Sport, Page 15