January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Hurdle, Healy make Windies world team
The pair were selected as Bermuda's two representatives in a 14-man squad for the tournament on February 10, 11.
They will join up with the squad on February 6 to play warm-up games against South Africa and Canada before the weekend tournament which pits them against Scotland, Argentina and world champions Fiji in Pool A of the 16-team tournament.
Healy, who made his debut for the West Indies in a warm up tournament in Barbados at the end of last year, said he couldn't wait to test himself against the world's best.
"I've never played at this level before and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing because it's a huge step up, but it's an honour to play for the West Indies and an even bigger honour to represent Bermuda on the team."
He said he had grown up watching and admiring players like Sevens legend Waisale Serevi, who will coach Fiji in this tournament.
"We are definitely going to be up against it. We just need to try and learn as much as we can from the experience.
"From my point of view it's a little daunting but Bobby has been kind enough to take me under his wing and hopefully he'll lend his experience to me when I'm out there.
"It's a huge advantage to travel with such an experienced player that has been there and done it before."
Hurdle, who has represented West Indies several times before, said he would be one of the senior members of the squad.
"The majority of players are younger than me, by now. I think my main asset to the team is my size. I'll be used more as a ball-winner and to distribute the ball to the speedier guys."
He doesn't expect to get away without doing his share of the legwork, though.
"In Sevens everyone has to be a runner, a defender and an attacker. The level is really high at this tournament and it can be quite daunting at first, but once you get out there and you take your first hit or make your first tackle you're just playing against seven other guys.
"Tom is a player who has the skill and ability to shine as long as he does not let the occasion get to him, and we won't let that happen. I think he'll be fine."
Hurdle admitted the West Indies would be the outsiders but said they were hoping to give a good account of themselves.
"We are not going in there expecting to win it but we have set certain goals. There are teams we think we can beat. The current squad is a good mix of youth and experience and I think we can give them a bit of a surprise."
West Indies head coach Joe Whipple said he was looking for an improved performance on last year when the team failed to win a game.
"Mentally we need to focus on our own team performance. If we do, we'll continue to show improvement against the best teams in the world."[[In-content Ad]]
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