France or Italy could be added to this year's World Rugby Classic roster with the showcase event taking place a month earlier than usual, organisers announced yesterday.

Classic President John Kane said that this year's Rugby World Cup in Australia caused a conflict in terms of timing, with a number of would-be players heading Down Under.

As a result, instead of the event being played on its traditional November dates it will be moved to October - a move which Kane said could become permanent.

"When we started the World Rugby Classic in 1988, November was a quiet month on the international calendar," said Kane. "But now it is a very busy month with the southern hemisphere countries all touring in Europe.

"This year we have the added problem of the World Cup in Australia and this puts pressure on the availability of players, press, television personnel etc.

"A number of potential Classic players will be going to Australia for the latter stages of the World Cup, either as spectators, tour leaders or television commentators, so all of these items impact on the Classic."

By moving the event to between October 11 and 18 Kane said he hoped to avoid most of the problems and "build on the momentum of the 2002 Classic, which saw the event, and Bermuda, receive incredible international television (coverage), primarily in the States, Canada and Europe".

The British Barbarians, New Zealand All Blacks, US, Canada, Iberians, South Africa and Argentina have all become fixtures in the event, which for the last two years has been held at the National Sports Centre.

Now it is hoped to add another team to the fold.

Attempts were made last year to bring in Italy, but the Europeans pulled out at the 11th hour.

After Jamaica pulled out of a friendly `series' with Bermuda, the home nation was placed into the cauldron of competition that is the main event.

Kane said he hoped this year's attempt at expanding the league of nations would be more successful.

"We are still working on the eighth country to join the other teams in the Classic itself," he said. "And we are looking to France, and even to Italy, as we know the latter country is very keen to make up for its late withdrawal last year.

"Also, we have had some overtures for the return of the team representing England. At present, however, I believe France to be the frontrunner."

Kane said it was also planned to bring in some quality opposition for Bermuda.

"Last year's debacle with Jamaica was unfortunate," he said. "But with that experience, and a lot more lead-in time, I think the (Bermuda Rugby Football) Union will come up with the right type of opponent."

Meanwhile, Kane said that the excellent lighting at the Sports Centre would mean that four of the five rounds of competition would now be held under the lights, while, off the field, the success of last year's Street Party had prompted consideration of a repeat.

For the long-term future Kane said the return of Australia was also on the agenda, but stressed a sponsor was needed as airfares to Bermuda would prove too much for the tournament to bear.

"We see 2004 as the earliest date for Australia to return as it is unlikely that many Aussies will stray far from home while the first round of games of the World Cup are being played," he said.