Big-time rugby back in Chennai with Asia 7s
India have been grouped with Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia in the forthcoming Asian Rugby 7s series, a part of the Asia Rugby 7s calendar, featuring 12 men’s teams and six women’s teams at the Nehru Stadium here on February 20 and 21. The event will be organised by Asia Rugby and Indian Rugby Football Union.
By : migrator
Update: 2016-02-10 19:46 GMT
Chennai
After the Asian Rugby 7s pre-Olympic qualifier last year, this will be the second international event in the city.
Expressing optimism on making Chennai the rugby hub in the country, tournament manager Aaron Stockdale said, “We are pleased and proud to be returning to Chennai to host a prestigious rugby tournament. India have constantly been developing as a serious contender in the rugby circuit. The inclusion of the sport in the Olympics has taken the sport places.”
India will field a men and a women team in the tournament, that would be selected next week. Indonesia, Nepal, Guam and South Korea will be fielding women teams.
While UAE are the top seeds, Thailand are seeded second. Philippines and Kazakhstan complete the topfour seeding list.
Former Indian captain Nasser Hussain said the sport has developed manifold in the country.
“We have included rugby as a part of the School Games. Our next target is to take the sport at the inter-university level which will provide the sportsmen a clear path into taking the sport as a career,” he added.
Groupings
Pool A
UAE
Leabnon
Nepal
Pool B
Kazhakstan
Indian
Saudi Arabia
Pool C
Phillipines
Indonesia
Bangladesh
Pool D
Thailand
Chinese Taipei
Syria
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