India women’s rugby team claim first-ever international 15s win against Singapore

The Indian women's rugby team claimed a historic first-ever international Rugby 15s victory with a 21-19 win over Singapore to finish third in the Asia Women's - Division 1 Rugby XVs Championship in Manila on Saturday.

The tournament was one of the qualifying rounds for the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand.

The power of rugby! This is worth seeing again @rugbyindia women have recorded their first 15s victory at international level @brettgosper @rahulbose1 pic.twitter.com/Amw70O7oVk

— Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) June 22, 2019

The Asian tournament was being held at Southern Plains Sports Field, here from June 19 to 22.

In Saturday's enthralling match against Singapore, India's scrum-half Sumitra Nayak kicked a penalty to claim the narrow victory in the dying minutes.

Sweety Kumari continued her fine form in the tournament, scoring two first-half tries to set India on way to victory.

HIGHLIGHTS! @rugbyindia secure historic victory and we were there to capture these amazing scenes! pic.twitter.com/DkmykrdMnN

— Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) June 23, 2019

India captain Vahbiz Bharucha then opted for a penalty which was successfully converted by Nayak before Annabel Woo Xui Ni scored her second try of the match to give Singapore the lead for the first time.

Singapore hit back with two tries of their own, but a third from India left the scores at 15-12.

However, with another penalty, Nayak confidently stepped up to kick her second successful effort of the day, which proved decisive in the win.

China won the tournament with a 68-0 victory over hosts Philippines in a one-sided final.