International exposure would help us to improve before CWG: Rugby India

With the good finish in Asian 7s tour still fresh in mind, Rugby India captain Nasser Hussain feels more international exposure on the run-up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games would help the hosts perform better in the quadrennial sporting extravaganza here.Indians put up an all-round performance in the Asian 7s event, which was held in Brunei, Borneo and Singapore from October 24 to November 15, and even reached the Bowl Division final in Borneo, where they went down to Chinese Taipei 0-19.

"Playing more and more international tournaments always come handy for a side, which is still learning and developing itself into a more professional manner. More international exposure would help us to improve the performance before Delhi hosts the Commonwealth Games," Hussain said.

Although Rugby in India is still at a nascent stage, lacking class, resources and identity, it has not lowered the confidence of Indians who are harbouring dream of a good finish in the 2010 Games.

"During the Asian 7s tournament, we got the better of a couple of higher ranked opponents like Lao and Brunei and the results have certainly added to our confidence. We definitely need more international tournaments," Hussain said.

India is currently lying 83rd among 95 countries in the world rankings with the Commonwealth group of countries dominating the top-10.

To sharpen skill of the players, Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has now planned second training-cum-competition camp in South Africa for the men's team before the Games.

Two South African coaches would also accompany the team. Meanwhile, Avani Sabade, captain of the country's first ever women's rugby team, also feels more international matches would help the Indians understand the playing style of their fast-paced Asian opponents.

"I think, Asian 7s experience was really good, which would definitely help the team in longer run. Graduating from the second division tournaments to fast-paced international events are immensely helping our team," Sabade said.

Indian eves pulled off an upset against hosts Malaysia in the Asian 7s circuit in Kota Kinabalu.

"It was only our second international outing after we toured Pattaya (Thailand) in May this year. Our performance is improving with the experience and now we got a morale-boosting victory over Malaysia in their own backyard," Sabade said.

The women's team, however, would not be seen in action in the Commonwealth Games as women category does not exist in the quadrennial event.