New Delhi: Keen to put up a good show at the
Commonwealth Games, Indian Rugby team is taking special
training from the legends of the game at the International
Rugby Academy New Zealand (IRANZ) in Palmerston North.
The 23-member Indian contingent is receiving tips from
former stars Craig de Goldi, Karl te Nana, Christian Cullen
and Murray Mexted.
The Indian ruggers will spend 10 days in Palmerston North
and will also compete in a few practice matches.
The New Zealand leg of the three-week tour will expose
the team to world class Rugby training, fitness and diet
schedules, and discovering new cultures.
The team will also attend Rugby 7s clinic run by Ex-All
Blacks player Murray Euxted.
"We are the host of the Commonwealth Games and we want to
prepare a very good team for the rugby competition, so we are
taking every opportunity to learn from the best in the world,"
Usaia Biumaiwai, India's national coach, said.
"Everyone knows New Zealand is a top rugby playing nation
and to visit here and get the hang of the sporting culture is
nothing less than a dream come true," said the Indian captain
Nasser Hussain.
"Having coaching from Craig de Goldi, Karl te Nana and
Christian Cullen along with match practice, match analysis and
advice on strength and conditioning, nutrition and sports
psychology, is sure to be of great benefit later in the year,"
added Hussain.
Before landing in New Zealand, Indian team was in Fiji,
where ruggers participated in the Marist 7s ?- largest Rugby
tournament in Fiji.
Although India lost all their four matches at the
tournament, which featured the best club teams in Fiji, but
Biumaiwai was pleased with the progress made by the boys.
"I'm glad that my players have showed improvement in all
their matches, especially in their support play and defence
patterns," said Biumaiwai, who has been with Rugby India since
2007.
"Tournaments in Fiji are always tough and we have plenty
to build on here in New Zealand."
Indian ruggers will return home on March 24.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 21:06