India to play 7s in Fiji

INDIA'S national rugby team will feature at this year's Marist 7s tournament as its build up to the Honk Kong 7s tournament and the Commonwealth Games.

India's rugby coach and former Nasinu rep Usaia Biumaiwai says discussions were underway to bring his international team play against the best local club teams.

India is the 2010 Commonwealth Games hosts in September.

Biumaiwai said playing in Fiji would be a good build up to expose his players to the game.

He said the Fiji Rugby Union was aware of India's intentions and soon a decision would be made.

"Rugby is still developing in India and I'm arranging with FRU to bring a team over in March. I want to expose my players and get them to play against the local clubs in Fiji."

"This will be a build up to the Hong Kong and Commonwealth games. We're hosting the games and I want the India team to achieve an improved performance in front of its home crowd."

Biumaiwai left for India two years ago after spending some time in Thailand.

Rugby is minor sport in India.

"Cricket in India is like rugby in Fiji. Rugby is still developing and a lot of people in India are unaware that rugby is played in their country."

"I'm trying my best in developing the sport and I do believe this would be a good opportunity to impress the home crowd and draw their attention to rugby," he said.

"Playing against the Fiji club sides would be a boost and we hope everything comes out in our favour."