BERMUDA'S national rugby team head off to the Cayman Islands on Saturday with a point to prove.

The 22-man squad are desperate for a good showing against the Cayman's and the Canada Under-23 side in the Diamond Law Associates International Series.

Bermuda Rugby Football Union president Dave Worsfold said: "After a disappointing Caribbean Championship last year we are looking to build towards the next year and increase interest by having a couple of international games. Cayman, like us, were probably a little disappointed by their showing in the Bahamas."

But he will declare the tour a success with a win against the Cayman's. Revenge is on his mind.

"They have beaten us twice recently ? once down there and once at the Classic.

"The Canada U-23 side will be a big step up for us ? fitness, speed etc. but it is always good to play at a higher level."

Bermuda will be fielding an experimental side with national stalwarts Derek (Bobby) Hurdle, prop Jason Scott and Sean Field all unavailable.

However the Canucks will themselves be an unknown quantity noted Worsfold.

"We are looking to get a decent showing against the Canadians," said Worsfold who is looking forward to his first trip to the Caymans.

He hopes that towards the end of 2006 the Bermuda team can take another short tour ? even though the World Cup qualifiers for 2011 won't start until 2009.

National coach Pete Shillingford is also relishing the chance to take on overseas opposition ? even if the conditions are likely to be stiflingly hot in the Caymans.

He said: "The facilities are very good ? they have their own ground and club house which is part of a sports complex including tennis and squash.

"Also they play some games at the National Stadium ? which I understand received quite a bit of damage from the hurricanes last year so I don't know what state this is in. We normally do well in the Caymans but this will definitely be a testing trip.

"The Caymans have a number of new players available and the Canadians will be big and fit. This is the kind of rugby we need to be playing to improve our all round standard of the game. We have dropped down the IRB rankings in the last three or four years ? the goal over the next two seasons is to try and become the best Caribbean country again."

Cayman Development XV v Canada under-21 ? today.

Cayman versus Bermuda ? Sunday.

Canada Under-23 v Bermuda ? Wednesday.

Canadians v Barbarians (composed of players from the Cayman and Bermuda teams) ? Wednesday.

Cayman v Canada Under-23 ? Saturday.

(Forwards:) Dave Worsfold (Renegades), Jaime Billings (Police), Rob Steinoff (Police), Pete Elliot (Police), John Tarrant (Renegades), Tom Greenslade (Teachers), Ryan Sommerville (Police), Andrew Males (Teachers), MarinerJackson (Renegades), Pete Dunkerley (Renegades), Dave Bird (Police), Mike Williams (Renegades), Conor McGlyn (Renegades).

(Backs:) Tom Healey (Renegades), Paul Jones (Renegades), Chris Naylor (Teachers), Richard Slater (Renegades), Mike Kane (Police), Greg Garside (Renegades), Harry Andrews (Teachers), John Thompson (Renegades), Rob Pound (Police).

(Physio:) Maureen Ryan.

(Coach:) Pete Shillingford.