Asian5-Nations Rugby tournament open for public

New Delhi: Asian5-Nations competition, starting at the newly constructed Rugby stadium in Delhi University campus on June 2, will be thrown open to public unlike the Commonwealth test event last month which was out of bounds due to security reasons. The first-ever Commonwealth Rugby Sevens championship, held from April 2-3 at the same venue, was strictly a no-spectator show after Delhi Police had barred the public entry citing security concerns. Rugby enthusiasts will witness the international action under lights during the two-day tournament and watch an India-China face-off on the first day. The four teams that will battle it out at the prestigious tournament are India, China, Thailand and Philippines. The winner of this Division II tournament will earn their spot to participate in Division I and the team that finishes last will be relegated to Division III. This is also the first time that Rugby will be played under lights in India, providing a whole new dimension to the game, and much excitement for Rugby fans in the capital. "Events such as these coming to India is testimony to the growing popularity of India in World Rugby. We are proud to host this prestigious event for the first time. It serves as a perfect opportunity in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games," said Pramod Khanna, President, Rugby India. "With our fantastic performance at the CWG Test event last month and the recent training tours in New Zealand, our game has shown a marked improvement," Khanna added. Started in 2008, the 2010 HSBC Asian5-Nations will be the third series of the Asian Five Nations which is the flagship competition devised by the Asian Rugby Football Union ? ARFU, to develop the sport of rugby in Asia. PTI