John L.Williams has severed his ties with the West Indies Rugby Union just weeks after helping lead the region to a fantastic debut performance at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

Bermuda-based Williams, former President of the Island's Rugby Football Union, was the manager of the Windies side that performed so admirably in Asia and was expected to reprise his role when the team travel to Britain to play in the World Seven Series next month.

Williams, who held the post of Honorary Secretary with the WIRU, said his resignation came about because of a "manager's decision'' he took during the lead-up to the Hong Kong competition.

Describing it as a "very, very hard thing to do'', he informed West Indies president Peter Borland of his decision on Saturday.

"I shall miss my participation in the WIRU but I have realised that `my style' isn't appreciated by all within the WIRU and for the sake of harmony I have resigned,'' he said in an e-mail to various people associated with the WIRU. "To quote Jerry Lee Lewis, `I am what I am, not what they want me to be'.'' Williams was reluctant yesterday to explain just what led him to take the decision, but said: "Some things went on and at the end of the day I went against a policy decision when I was away on the trip en route to Hong Kong.

"I made a manager's call, a gut call, and I apologised for it. I thought it was the right thing to do (at the time) and still do. Some people agree with me and some don't. As a result of that, certain comments were made about my ability to do what I did.

"I didn't argue with the fact I went against the policy, but other things were said and it became untenable for me to work in the position.

"As much as I love what I do, I decided that in the best interests of unity and harmony (to resign).'' Williams has, with assistance from others within the WIRU, helped boost the profile of West Indies rugby no end during his several year association with the organisation.

Not only were they invited to play in Hong Kong, one of the most prestigious Sevens tournaments in the world, but just last week the Windies, who feature Islanders Bobby Hurdle, Jon Cassidy and Danny McGavern, were invited to take to the field with the likes of England, Australia and New Zealand at Twickenham in London and Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

"I think I have been of some assistance. I'm not going to say I am the guy that has done it all, far from it, but I think I have assisted to raise the profile,'' Williams said.