The just concluded World Rugby Classic has been hailed as a rousing success by chief organiser John Kane.

And 1996 could provide an even bigger spectacle with the prospect of Australia returning to the fray following a forced hiatus along with France, who had several players included among the Bermuda team but appear anxious to send a full squad of their own.

"It probably was one of the most successful (Classics) from the standpoint of playing and crowd attendance and there was tremendous support from the community, businesses and everything else,'' said Kane.

"As for next year there are a couple of things we'll have to discuss when we have our next meeting. Australia and France want to come in, so we'll set about trying to resolve the situation of increased demand.'' Kane stressed, however, that while receipts from paid admissions and sale of merchandise were quite good, increased sponsorship would be a must if any plans for expansion were to be implemented.

Just the airfare alone for teams from France and Australia would make it an impractical venture without increased funding.

As for the New Zealand All Blacks, who notched their sixth Classic triumph in seven years on Saturday with a 50-10 thumping of the Celtic Barbarians, Kane had high praise and stood somewhat in awe of their ongoing domination.

"I think that next year we'll give them a ball and chain around each ankle to slow them down a bit,'' he joked. "They're a difficult side to beat and they're not young either. They're average age is older than all the other teams, but they're a very determined and proud bunch.

"I was surprised (by the margin of victory), but in reflection they had an extra day to recover for the final and the Barbarians had a really tough game against South Africa. The Barbarians didn't win a lot of ball and when they did they couldn't keep possession.

"Once they (All Blacks) started to roll they were like a storm going downhill, they just kept going.'' Kane quashed rumours that the champions were being wooed by Canada to enter a tournament there at the same time as the Classic, saying that the Kiwis had made a firm commitment to the local competition "for as long as there is an event''.