Waisale Serevi, a World Rugby Hall of Famer and the greatest rugby sevens player, has been appointed as head coach for both Indian men's and women's teams by the Indian Rugby Football Union (Rugby India). Waisale's global coaching experience in the USA, Jamaica, and Russia will significantly enhance India's strategic approach and technical skills, promoting rugby's growth in the country.
India's Women's National Rugby Union team, ranked 45th by World Rugby, has participated in four Tests and has faced challenges such as financial disparities, cultural attitudes, and societal expectations. The team is led by captain Vahbiz Bharucha and vice-captain Sandhya Rai who are promoting inclusivity and making strides in women's rugby by challenging stereotypes. India will participate in the Asia Championship Div in December 2024. Other players including Sweta Shahi, Mama Naik, Kalyani Patil, Vaishnavi Patil, Lachmi Oraon, Dumuni Marndi, Hupi Majhi, Shikha Yadav, Tarulata Naik, Sheetal Sharma, Priya Bansal have showcased phenomenal performance on the ground.
Waisale Serevi expressed gratitude for his appointment and stated, "It is an honor and privilege for me to be a part of the Rugby family in India, I am grateful and I thank god for the opportunity. From Japan, England, France, and the USA, I have now made my way to India. India and Fiji hold a close relationship. It gives me great pride to be a Fijian coming to India, to help them take Rugby to the next level."
