biggest game of his life.

Hurdle is captain of the side which played the mighty Fijians in the opening match of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens at 5.00 a.m. Bermuda time.

The team, which is debuting at the world's most prestigious Sevens tournament, also features fellow Islanders Jon Cassidy and Danny McGavern.

For players who normally turn out in front of just a handful of spectators at Bermuda's Nationals ground each weekend, playing in Hong Kong will be a huge culture shock.

The full-house sign was raised days before the event got underway, with organisers announcing they had sold all the tickets for the three-day festival which is being held at the 42,000 capacity Hong Kong Stadium.

The West Indies opener against Fiji was, on paper at least, somewhat of a daunting task.

But one thing in their favour was Fiji's decision to axe legendary star Waisale Serevi from the team which is bidding to win its 10th Cup Championship this weekend.

The West Indies, who are managed by Bermuda-based John Williams, are in a group which also features Wales and Russia.

Williams, speaking from the team's Hong Kong hotel last night, said West Indies' debut in the event had aroused a lot of interest and as skipper, Hurdle was a man in demand.

"We've been barraged by the press who want to know who we are and what we are about,'' said Williams. "Bobby Hurdle's done two TV shows and he's been interviewed by the New Zealand press and the South China Morning Post wanted to put our team picture on their front page.

"This event is huge. We've been rubbing shoulders with players from all over the world and the guys can't wait to get out there.

"They are all shaking hands with people all the time, saying how proud they are to be here.'' The Windies played a practice match on Wednesday against England and went down by seven tries to three. Williams had been encouraged by their performance.

"Our guys fought really well, including the Bermuda guys, and we were not at all intimidated,'' he said.

But some bad news emanated from the match. Orlando Jones twisted his ankle when he tripped over a divot on the pitch and will miss the opening game.

Williams said Jones would be replaced by Trinidadian Shaun O'Farrell, brother of Brendan O'Farrell, along with Hurdle one of the Windies' star players.

The manager added that Hurdle was proving both competent and popular in his role as captain.

"Bobby is proving to be an outstanding leader of these guys,'' said Williams.

"The coach, Mark Hewitt, said he could not be happier with him. And good captaincy is vital.'' The West Indies play the Welsh tomorrow morning and Russia in the afternoon as they complete their first-phase action.

Depending on how they fare they could also play on Sunday.

Bobby Hurdle: Was due to lead the West Indies team out for their opening fixture against Fiji at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens tournament early this morning.