bid for World Sevens glory.

At least two Island rugby players -- Bobby Hurdle and Jonathan Cassidy -- are expected to be announced in the squad which will take part in the world's most prestigious sevens tournament in Hong Kong next month.

But the West Indies Rugby Football Union needs around $10,000 to pay for kit, flights and accomodation.

While participation in the event is not in doubt, if the union is unable to find the cash officials fear it could jeopardise their taking part in similar events later this year. Team manager John Williams said: "It's a little bit at the 11th hour but I was wondering if there was anybody out there who was willing to sponsor us.'' Williams said those that helped out would have their company logo on the kit, and with the prestigious event being shown on TV a worldwide audience would be guaranteed.

The tournament runs between March 30 and April 1 and features 24 teams, including the likes of France, England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

The majority of the teams feature professionals but that isn't the case with the fledgling West Indies outfit whose players are all amateurs.

As a result of this and the size of the region players are drawn from, the Union has encountered a number of problems preparing for the event.

"We are the only team that does not come from one point,'' Williams said.

"All the other teams have been selected and our team won't be selected until March 4 after the Jamaica Sevens tournament.

"Our team will be coming from most of the Islands plus Bermuda, hopefully, and as a result there is a problem of us getting together for training.

"We are hoping to get together for a week in Hong Kong but obviously that is going to require some funding.'' Williams said he hoped the fact that Bermuda would almost definitely be represented in the squad would lead to companies on the Island coming forward.

"The possibility exists that we could have two maybe three Bermudians on the team based on the team that went to Henley and Lisbon last year,'' he said.

"Apart from Olympics and the Pan Am games I can't think of amateur players being on a world stage such as this. They are going to be playing against the best players in the world.'' Williams said he believed the team would perform well in Hong Kong and as a consequence he hoped more backers might seek to come on board.

"As a result of this I think we will attract a major sponsor afterwards. We are looking for something to take us through to the three other tournaments in the UK and Europe that we have been invited to.

"But if we don't get funding for this one the budget for Rugby West Indies will not afford to take us through to those events. The problem is that if you turn down the invitation after you have been invited they might just say `we don't want you back'.'' Those who want to help the squad should contact John Williams on 234-9509 or 292-9869.

Bobby Hurdle: leading Bermuda contender for a West Indies place.