SINGAPORE - The Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) on Wednesday (Nov 16) named Frazer McArdell as the new men's national 15s head coach and has been tasked with gaining promotion back into the Asia Rugby Championship Division 1.

McArdell will be assisted by Casey Mee and former Singapore international Mark Lee. The trio will work with technical director Inoke Afeaki, who had previously acted as national head coach.

The Republic had finished bottom of their four-team group in May's Asian Rugby Championship Division 1 tournament and were relegated to Division 2 where they will now need to beat Thailand, India and China to earn promotion.

McArdell, who is currently head coach of SRU Premiership League defending champions Wanderers Rugby Football Club, said he was humbled by his appointment. He added: "Rugby is growing rapidly in Singapore and a strong National Team will reinforce the amazing rugby culture here.

"The long-term goal will be to see Singapore at the top league in Asia and be competent to challenge Japan and Hong Kong. Our first step is to give more game time to the players and to instill pride to play for the nation."

He and his management team will begin shortlisting players for the national training squad which will train every Monday evening in addition to their club commitments.

SRU's general manager George Danapal said: "Singapore is growing into a world class sporting hub in Asia and rugby has its role to play in this. This year SRU hosted the HSBC Singapore Rugby 7s, three Super Rugby games as well as the inaugural South East Asian 7s.

"More than hosting world-class rugby events and competitions, we want our National Team to play good rugby.

The entire Management team is deeply involved and experienced with the Singapore club rugby scene and will be able to bring Singapore Rugby up another level."