Bermuda go into today's Caribbean Rugby Championship clash with Barbados confident but with an air of mystery hanging over one of their players, writes Matt Westcott.

Centre Stewart Thompson travelled with the squad to Cayman last weekend, but sources close to the team suggest he is ineligible to play because he has not been resident in Bermuda for the required time period.

Coach Andrea Battiston did not wish to speak about the claims, preferring instead to talk of his team's chances of progressing past the semi-final stage to this weekend's climax.

"We are still working on that. It hasn't been confirmed yet," said the coach when questioned.

"I don't want to comment any further at this point. We are looking into it."

On a brighter note, Battiston said second row player Gavin Corcoran's injury, suffered during last week's World Rugby Classic, would not prevent him from playing today.

"At first I think what happened was the plane ride increased the swelling in his arm," he said. "But the last two days he has been training fine and he will be starting."

In addition Battiston said back Keith Hodgkins had been called up as cover for the squad.

Bermuda, who progressed to the final four without playing because St. Lucia pulled out of the tournament, saw their rivals beat the Bahamas 25-18.

"Barbados' strength I think is in their backs so we have worked on shutting that down, putting pressure on and squeezing them to one side and being aware of that," Battiston said. "The forwards have got some potential there but I think we should dominate quite easily in the lineouts, scrums and loose play."

Battiston said he believed Bermuda's bye would serve them well. "We had New Zealand and the US (in the Classic) which helped to get us fit and we have had a couple of extra days to prepare in regards to a little bit more practice time," he said.

"I think it will be to our benefit. We have had a couple of very good training sessions. The guys have had extra time to bond and gel and everyone has been very positive and they are excited to play."