Bermuda are sending a representative rugby team to the UK for the first time this weekend.

The Bermuda Select XV will take on London Welsh tomorrow, before experiencing the atmosphere of the final Five Nations match between Wales and England.

London Welsh, formed in 1885, have joined the professional ranks of English rugby, currently standing fifth out of 14 clubs in the Allied Dunbar Premiership Two with four games to play.

They have a proud history, providing 18 players for the British Lions among 196 who have been capped at international level. Their most famous players include JPR Williams -- who played for the Classic Lions in last year's World Rugby Classic in Bermuda -- Mike Roberts, John Taylor and John Dawes.

Teachers were the first Bermudian rugby team to visit the UK, when they toured Wales in 1985 and 1989. But Bermuda Rugby Football Union president John Williams felt the time was now right for Island players to experience the developments that have taken place in the game in the UK in recent years.

"We are taking on a huge task here,'' said Williams. "It's certainly not the strongest team we could have taken -- people like Dave Bird, Alan Oliver and Gareth Davies were not available for one reason or another.

"But it's an opportunity for these guys to play at a much higher level -- half of the team we'll be playing are professionals.'' However, Williams admitted there was another motive for the trip -- the chance to take in the Five Nations decider at Wembley Stadium.

Williams, who has obtained tickets for the whole squad, said: "What a match that will be. Wales, who are the most improved of the Five Nations, have nothing to lose and England must win to take the Grand Slam. The Welsh always like those odds against their arch rivals.'' Many of those in the party have never seen a full international. Williams added: "It'll be a great experience for Bermudian players. For those watching the game live in Bermuda's pubs, don't be surprised to see a familiar banner in the crowd.'' The match against London Welsh at their home ground in Richmond, will kick off at 12.30 p.m on Saturday and will be preceded by a House of Commons XV against the Welsh Rams and followed by a game between London Welsh first XV and a Welsh XV.

Bobby Hurdle will captain the team for the first time, while Sean Field-Lament will act as coach in the absence of national coach Pete Shillingford, who is unable to make the trip.

Shillingford has, however, been working with the party in the lead-up to the tour.

Several of the players are already in England, including students Jonathan Cassidy and Jonathan Viney, and Phil Heaney who is there on business.

Bermuda Select from: Warren Bundy, Tom Steinoff, Alvin Harvey, Bobby Hurdle, Deveray Noel-Simmons, Sean Field-Lament, Shane Richmond, Dennis Cherry, Justin Richards, Trevor Roberts, Simon Caruthers, Jonathan Cassidy, Jonathan Viney, Jonathan Williams, Ashley Redmond, Rodney Marshman, Noel Capewell, Phil Heaney.

Manager: Pat McHugh Assistant managers: Phil Every, Alan Gorbutt, Dennis Dwyer.