Trinidadian Curtis Nero, Team Manager of Rugby West Indies, announced on Sunday the team to represent the West Indies Rugby Union (WIRU) at the International Rugby Board ( IRB ) Sevens World Series Tournament to take place in San Diego, California, February 10-11, 2007.


The twelve-man Rugby West Indies Team was selected from a squad of sixteen (16) at a training camp held in Trinidad and Tobago last weekend (January 21st-22nd).


The team includes four players from Guyana, three from Trinidad, two from Barbados, two from Bermuda and one from the Bahamas. The selected players had to satisfy stringent fitness requirements essential for competitive rugby on the world stage prior to being considered for selection.


The players will return from Trinidad to their respective countries and remain in full training until the team gathers again in Trinidad and Tobago to leave the Caribbean on February 5th . The team will undergo a week of training in San Diego ahead of the tournament kick-off.


The West Indies Team is sponsored by Conyers Dill & Pearman of Bermuda and the Butterfield Bank based in the Bahamas. The International Rugby Board and host Union, USA, contribute the full cost of travel and accommodation for the team’s participation at a cost of over US$30,000.


The team is as follows:


Kevin Mackenzie - Guyana

Claudius Butts - Guyana
Theo Henry - Guyana

Albert Larose - Guyana
Graeme Alkins - Trinidad

Jason Clarke - Trinidad
Kelson Figuero - Trinidad

Antonio Gibbons - Barbados
Kurt Johnson - Barbados

Tom Healy - Bermuda
Derek Hurdle - Bermuda

Devon Woodside - Bahamas


Travelling reserve
Andre Carbera - Trindad


Non Travelling reserves

Nyuen Franco - Trinidad
Richard Staglon - Guyana


Source: Kit Naciemento (West Indies Rugby Union) - by e-mail