The West Indies rugby team, which could include at least two Bermudians, faces a true test of character when they take their bow at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

In the toughest possible draw, the West Indies find themselves up against World Sevens series leaders Fiji as well as Wales and Russia in Pool A.

They have yet to pick a squad -- this week's West Indies Sevens tournament in Jamaica being arranged with that in mind -- but Bermuda captain Bobby Hurdle and team-mate Jonathan Cassidy are expected to be named among their ranks.

The Hong Kong Sevens takes place at the end of the month and features the cream of the world's rugby playing nations.

More than 130,000 spectators will view the three days of matches and millions more will tune into TV coverage. Of the 24 teams taking part 17 took part in the recent Rugby World Cup Sevens and the competition is being billed as possibly the most evenly matched in years.

Speaking at the draw, made at the Foreign Correspondent's Club in Hong Kong, John Molloy, president of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, said: "The traditional excitement of the Sevens draw has been heightened in 2001 by a new parity in sevens rugby resulting from the regular competition offered by International Rugby Board's World Sevens Series.'' With only three events completed in the 2001 WSS, Fiji have yet to win a circuit event outright, but still cling to the top of the standings on 48 points based on their overall performance.

Wales' rugby pedigree goes without saying and the West Indies third opponents, Russia, were Plate winners at the aforementioned Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Australia, Portugal, Korea and Sri Lanka make up Pool B, while New Zealand, France, Hong Kong and the Arabian Gulf are in Pool C. In Pool D Samoa and England face Japan and Singapore and Pool E comprises of Argentina, Canada, China and Malaysia.

Finally, in Pool F there is top seed South Africa, the USA, Thailand and Chinese Taipei.