By IANS,
New Delhi: There is finally some good news for the spectators — the newly-constructed Delhi University Rugby stadium (North Campus) will be thrown open free for public during the HSBC Asian5Nations competition June 2-5.
Four teams India, China, Thailand and Philippines will be fighting it out for the top honours in the tournament that is going to be a test event for the Commonwealth Games being held here Oct 3-14.
The last tournament at the same venue was kept out of bounds for rugby fans for security issues. Rugby enthusiasts will now witness the matches under lights as India take on China in the inaugural match of the tournament.
Pramod Khanna, president of Rugby India, said: “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 in India for the first time. It serves as a perfect opportunity in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games.”
The winner of this Division II tournament will earn a 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.