annual World Rugby Classic, said tournament organiser John Kane.

The eight-team tournament kicks off the evening of November 10 and the international television network Sky Television will broadcast a two-hour programme on the week-long event on November 24.

Sky TV's reach means viewers throughout the British Isles, mainland Europe, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and the Far East will be able to see the programme.

In addition, the US network Fox Sports will be broadcasting an hour-long programme which will be seen in the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East while CTV Sportsnet will air the show in Canada.

Mr. Kane revealed that discussions are also underway to show a special edition of the Classic in Italy, a target market for Bermuda's tourism industry.

An Italian team has been invited to participate in the 2000 Classic, he said, in a bid to boost visitors from that country.

The 1999 Classic will feature teams from New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, the British Isles, France, Canada, United States and Bermuda.

Team lists are expected next month.