The eyes of the world will be on Bermuda once again next week as the World Rugby Classic comes to the Island.

Competitiors from across the globe will start arriving from today for the annual festival at the National Sports Centre, and with them will come the world's media.

And while thousands will cram into the NSC over the week, millions more will watch on televsion.

"We have learned that the 90 minute programme on the 21st World Rugby Classic will be aired eight times in the British Isles and mainland Europe on Sky Sports from 26th to the 28th December," said John Kane, the president of the World Rugby Classic.

"Excerpts from the programme will also be seen on Gillette Sports Special and Total Rugby, two weekly sports programmes that are seen around the world," he added.

Whether watching the tournament live, or on tv, viewers and spectators alike are in for a treat with Kane predicting one of the strongest competitions in several years.

With such household names as Bobby Skinstad, Shane Byrne, Christian Califarno and Franck Bunce all putting in an appearance, expectations are high that the week will be one to savour.

"The squads that are coming are some of the strongest that we have seen for a long time, I think it's going to be a great tournament," he said.

"There are going to be big crowds, and with the public holiday on Tuesday, I think we'll see a lot of people out on Monday which will only add to the great atmosphere."

The tournament kicks-off at Sunday lunchtime when a Bermuda select XV will take on Lloyds RFC a team made up of city workers from London.

Australia and Canada follow soon after before the defending champions get their title defence under way with a highly anticipated game against France.

Former Springboks captain Bobby Skinstad will be in the South African side looking to win for a second time, as will centre Robbie Fleck.

France will be no pushovers however, with the likes of Califarno, Franck Tournaire, and Jean-Luc Sadourny among their side.