There will be no Bermuda players in the West Indies Rugby Union team that travels to San Diego for the USA Sevens Tournament next month.

A combination of factors have colluded to keep the Island from having any representation on the team, or in the reserves.

Former West Indies captain and star player Derek Hurdle was unavailable to play in the recent NAWIRA & Sevens due to injury and with increased family commitments, therefore his omission can be understood.

But it must be extremely disappointing for Renegades scrum-half Tom Healy and young Bermudian Kris Furbert who plays for Mariners.

Both Furbert and Healy attended the West Indies Sevens rugby mini-camp held in Trinidad immediately after the Caribbean Seven's tournament which was held in Bahamas.

The mini-camp was used as a trial for 22 selected players from that tournament to vie for the coveted positions in the West Indies squad. Despite Bermuda's mediocre performance - coming sixth and winning the plate - Furbert and Healy were chosen and attended the mini-camp.

Intensive skills and fitness test were conducted on all the players.

A selection committee reviewed their performances - unfortunately former West Indies player and Bermuda Police stalwart Jonathon Cassidy was unable to attend to fulfill his selection committee duties due to work commitments. His absence, Bermuda's recent results and the improved play of Guyana and Jamaica players no doubt influenced the selection process.

The team selected is: Claudius Butts, Kevin McKenzie, Richard Staglon, Theo Henry, Albert LaRose (Guyana), Andre Carbera, Kelson Figaro, Bevon Armitage (T&T), Elroy Graham, Donald Walters (Jamaica), Jeremico Cooper (Bahamas) and Kurt Johnson (Barbados), Non-Travelling Reserves; Ron Myers, David Parks (Guyana) and Giovanni Rolle (Bahamas).

The dominating presence of five Guyanese players in the West Indies squad, is testament to the wonderful growth and development of rugby in that country. In fact the sevens' version of the rugby is popular choice amongst Caribbean youth as it showcases their natural speed, athletic prowess and ball handling skills.

The West Indies sevens program has subsequently grown and regularly competes in high level tournaments. Bermudians Derek Hurdle, Kris Furbert, Tom Stienoff and Jonathon Cassidy have all had the honour and privilege to represent Bermuda and the West Indies playing rugby.

Over the years they have competed in many tournaments ranging from as far afield as Hong Kong to San Diego.

When one compares the participation of Bermudians in other West Indies sports it is a crying shame that the Bermuda Government does not provide more financial and visible support to the beleaguered Bermuda Rugby Football Union.