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For any sportsperson, one of the major challenges is to keep himself/herself match fit so that when the bigger challenges arrive they can be ready for the battle. Keeping that aspect in mind, Rugby India have sent two Indian National Rugby team players - Vikas 'Chotu' Khatri and Nitin 'Sam' Dagar to Scotland, during their off season, to represent the Ardrossan Academicals RFC, A National Division-2 club in Scotland.
This, though, isn’t the first instance of an Indian player, playing his trade abroad. Former Captain of the Indian National team, Nasser Hussain played a few seasons overseas for Tynedale RFC and Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. Similarly, Hrishikesh Pendse who studied and played at Loughborough University, England went on to play first for London Scottish RFC and then North Shore RFC in Auckland, New Zealand before getting a professional contract to play with the renowned Suntory Sungholiath in Japan's Top League where he rubs shoulders with the likes of Schalk Burger and Fourie Du Preez from South Africa.
Likewise, the Indian National Women's team players Surabhi Date and Ketaki Khare lead the way by continuing to play the sport abroad and represent their respective universities in Auckland, New Zealand.
The opportunities provided by Rugby India for their Indian players to play overseas would certainly be well received by the wider rugby playing community in India and this initiative will reap its rewards in the years to come as the added exposure and experience gained by these players will hopefully be passed on and trickle down to the future generations and grassroots level - so we all hope that the current crop of players playing abroad pick up more than a few tricks from their 'new' teammates and clubs.
On the domestic front, the last 10 days have been good for Rugby in India as the Bombay Gymkhana played host to the 82nd edition of the All India and South Asia - Premiere National Division-1 XVs Rugby Tournament. The Tournament that featured the top 9 teams from across the country this year has a rich heritage and dates back to 1924 when it wast first played. It was defending champions Army Red, who eventually came out on top retaining the Cup by defeating the hosts, Bombay Gym in the final 17-05.
Lastly, to conclude the stage is set for the grand finale of the 2015 Rugby World Cup being held in England where the mighty All Blacks (New Zealand) take on the Wallabies (Australia) on Saturday 31st October 2015.
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