History will be made at the Queenstown Stadium in Singapore this Saturday when the Indian women’s national team play their first-ever international against the hosts in the opening match of the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship.
There days later, India play the Philippines before Singapore and the Philippines bring the triangular Division I tournament to a close on 8 June.
Singapore will be favourites for the event as they are ranked 34th in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings, with the Philippines in 51st and India unranked given they are yet to play their first test match.
Ada Milby, Asia Rugby Executive Committee member and representative to World Rugby Council, is looking forward to the tournament as the growth and development of women’s rugby continues in Asia.
“Asia Rugby are really excited to provide these types of competition opportunities for the development of our women’s 15s programmes,” said Milby.
“With two Asian teams in last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, it’s important to provide these pathways for more national sides within Asia to become competitive at the next level.
“Singapore will come out strong in the set pieces with the precision of a well-drilled team and Philippines are likely to use the flair of playing ball in hand.
“I’m looking forward to seeing India make their international test debut as they currently have the strongest women’s domestic league in Asia.”
All three matches will be streamed live on Asia Rugby’s Facebook page.