Organisers are planning a record approach to the most expensive World Rugby Classic ever -- by launching their own CD.

John Kane, chief organiser of the annual November tournament, said this year's event would cost a massive $600,000.

And he has helped pen the words to a fundraising anthem for the competition, which is a rewrite of a 1972 hit by cult British band The Strawbs.

Irishman Kane joined members of The Heartbeats, regular visitors to the Classic, to rework "Part of the Union''.

Now "Part of the Classic'', telling the story of Bermuda's annual international tournament, will be the title song on on a seven-track album to be released later this month.

Kane said sales of the $12 CD would help raise cash for next month's tournament.

He also confirmed the event would feature the world's most capped rugby player, centre Philippe Sella, who captains France after representing his country 111 times.

New Zealand rugby star Brett Wilson -- critically injured in a horrific bike crash during last year's tournament -- is also due to return as a player this year.

And the world's record points scorer, Australian Michael Lynagh, is also due to turn out.

Kane said: "It will be great for Brett to make a successful return here after his awful experience last year.

"We're delighted he's due to return to the Island. And we're very proud to have Michael Lynagh and Philippe Sella, who's played more times in first class international rugby matches than anybody else.

"But this is the first time we've ever branched off into the music business.

"I was sitting in a pub in Dublin earlier this year with John Lowe, the leader of The Heartbeats, and I heard this song which went back more than 25 years.

"It was a big hit for The Strawbs then and I just thought that it would be a great song for us to adapt for the Classic.

"We got permission from the songwriters to change the lyrics and we started working on it.

"It was finally recorded in Dublin in September and there will also be six other favourite rugby-type songs on the CD when it is released during the last week of October.'' The CD will be sold at the World Rugby Classic shop at Archie Brown's on Front Street and will also be available at the ground.

"This is a big thing for us,'' said Mr. Kane."The first event 10 years ago cost us about $100,000 and last year's had risen to about $550,000.

"We're talking about $600,000 for this year and we will raise a third of that through sponsorship.

"About $100,000 will come through corporate hospitality and another $100,000 should come through the sale of merchandise.

"Then we're looking at gate receipts and of course whatever the sale of the CD can make. Then we're got sales at the bar and all that sort of thing.'' This year's classic, with the French team replacing last year's stand-ins Uruguay as the only line-up change, runs at the National Sports Club from November 8 to November 14.

The other major teams taking part include South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the British Lions.