Classic will be played mid-week, under lights.

"The final of the World Cup will be played in Wales on November 6 and as we are keen to make use of the November 11 holiday, we have no option but to start and finish under lights,'' explained John Kane, president of the Classic.

"Quite frankly this arrangement may well suit us as we will have the benefit of playing the semi-finals on the Saturday and Sunday, which will suit many overseas visitors who can fly in for the weekend or a five-day stay and see the critical stages of the Classic.

"Also, many of the top international rugby personalities who will be involved with the World Cup, will be available to take some well-earned rest at the Classic.'' The Classic was seen on Sky Sports in the British Isles last month and the quality of play has reportedly resulted in Allan Martin, the Lions coach, being inundated with requests from former Lions to be included in this year's squad. The result should mean a star-studded Lions team.

Also, the quality of rugby has convinced Fox Sports to take the one-hour programme and later this month it will go out on their network in the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Middle East while CTV will show it in Canada and Sky will broadcast it in New Zealand.

On top of that, Australia, Argentina and France will be airing the programme over the next six weeks.

Invitations to the 12th Classic are being sent out this month, including one to Bermuda's national team.

"Bermuda played exceptionally well last year,'' Kane noted. "And while the victory over South Africa was great, the performance against the Classic All-Blacks was simply superb. "However, for 1999, as Bermuda have shown considerable improvement over the years, and many of their players are of Classic age anyway, we will be putting a minimum age restriction on the Bermuda team. The result will be that players must be at least 30 years of age.'' 1999 CLASSIC SCHEDULE Wednesday, November 10: Round one, evening Thursday, November 11: Round one, afternoon Saturday, November 13: Semi-finals, afternoon Sunday, November 14: Semi-finals, afternoon Tuesday, November 16: Final, evening.

Note: VSB will broadcast the 1998 World Rugby Classic on the following dates: Sunday, February 7, 1.00 p.m.; Tuesday, February 9, 8.00 p.m.; Saturday, February 13, 2.00 p.m.