Experienced players to spearhead Indian rugby attack

Mumbai, June 2 (UNI) Experienced players will be the mainstay of the Hutch Indian Rugby team as they embark on the tour to Malaysia and Thailand that will comprise a triangular tournament. The team consists of nine players from Mumbai, three from Maharashtra State Police and Indian Army each, six from the UK (With Indian Origin), one from Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi respectively.

Nasser Hussain will captain the side that is looking good to win the Tri-Series.

''We had to make some tough decisions but we selected the best possible team, it is going to be tough as we have to play two games over three days that is why we are taking 24 players on board rather than 22 as previously decided,'' said Nasser.

Team manager Manek Unwala said it was very important that the players from far off places should also be included in the camp to get the best team possible. ''I was really happy to the competition for places in the team as there were two or three players who played in the same position with little to choose between them.'' He added.

The team includes Ganesh Sawant who plays his rugby for the Maharashtra State Police and is part of the Anti Terrorist Squad.

''It is difficult to get time to play all the time because we have to be on alert at all times as we may be called at any time,'' said Sawant. He reiterated the fact that it was important to win these games if the ranking of the Hutch India Rugby team has to rise. He is no new face in the Indian team and this will be his sixth tour. He added, ''The area we lacked in was stamina but now we as a team are more fit and ready to take on the best in terms of fitness.'' The Indians will play their first game against Malaysia on June 5 and then land in Kuala Lumpur the next day and play Thailand on June 7.

The Following is the Hutch Indian Rugby Team: Nasser Hussain (Captain) (Mumbai), Mukarram Faizullabhoy (V.

Captain) (Mumbai), Simon Patel Knowles (UK), Manmandir Singh Samra (UK), Samunder Singh (Indian Army), Hrishikesh Pendse (Mumbai), Sandeep Singh (Indian Army), Shaileash Devrukhkar (Mah. State Police), Timothy Wilks (UK), Emil Vartazarian (Chennai), Raymond Jeejeebhoy (Mumbai), Amarveer Singh Ladhar (UK), Ajay Sabharwal (UK), Ganesh Sawant (Mah. State Police), Francis Brown (UK), Chaitanya Sinh (Mumbai), Muffadal Indorewala (Mumbai), Ali Reza Choaspur (Mumbai), Puneet Krishnamoorty (Bangalore), Parvinder Singh (Indian Army), Supratik Sen (Mah. State Police), Rahul Bose (Mumbai), Faizal Siddiqui (Mumbai), Amit Lochab (Delhi).

Coach: William Hetaraka, Manager: Manek Unwala, Physio: Dr.Aijaz Ashai.

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