John Kane remains hopeful that the World Rugby Classic will be return closer to pre-Covid normality this year.

After being forced to postpone the ever-popular tournament in 2020 for the first time since it began 32 years ago, and having only four teams compete last year because of forced withdrawals, the event is set to return nearer to its former glory at the National Sports Centre from October 8 to 15.

That means an increase to six competing nations as well as larger spectator numbers, including upwards of 15 overseas companies showing an interest of corporate ticket packages, much to the delight of Kane, president of the World Rugby Classic.

“Hopefully, we will have an event getting back to the old numbers of spectators,” he said. “Last year we were forced to downsize the tournament because of Covid-19 but hopefully people will be looking to get out and enjoy some live sport again.

“We’ve also had huge interest from overseas for hospitality tickets, which is highly encouraging. So while a lot of local companies have downsized staffing numbers, we are hopeful of having around 18 overseas companies in the tents.”

On the field, Kane is expecting France to mount a strong title defence but refused to rule out the likes of the Lions Legends featuring players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, who last won the Classic in 2015, nor the returning Argentina Legends, who won the title three times in a row between 2016 and 2019.

“I’m in no doubt that France won’t want to give up their title lightly,” he added. “They are looking very strong with the squad they have named.

“Argentina are back and I suspect will be bringing their usual suspects within a strong squad, while the Lions have a very good mixture, including a number of sevens players.”

Meanwhile, Gibraltar will also make an appearance at the event, taking on a Bermuda team on October 9 before Rugby Canada play Lions Legends.

Despite Bermuda performing strongly in last year’s event, having stepped in late to replace Italy, Kane explained the reasoning behind their absence from the main competition this year.

“Having a Bermuda team presence again is fantastic to see,” he said. “We were massively stuck last year with teams having to withdraw and Bermuda stepped in brilliantly.

“However, the Bermuda team has some very young players in the current squad and I don’t feel it is particularly safe to have them play against seasoned professionals throughout the event.

“Originally we were going to have a Bermuda Sevens team play against Italy and France, but Gibraltar are making the trip over and so they will play the Bermuda team in a one-off match.”