FORMER Drybrook head coach Frazer McArdell has taken on a role in international rugby, after he was offered the job to head up the Singapore national side.

McArdell, 29, won the nation’s top domestic league as head coach of the Singapore Wanderers last year as well as the corresponding cup competition and remained unbeaten while doing so.

The former Hartpury College student and lecturer, who coached Drybrook to the South West One West league and an RFU National Cup final, will hope to turn around Singapore’s fortunes.

Singapore finished bottom of the Asian Championship Division One in May and will aim to be promoted this year, with fixtures against Thailand, India and China.

“Rugby is growing rapidly in Singapore and a strong national team will reinforce the amazing rugby culture here,” McArdell said.

“The long-term goal will be to see Singapore at the top league in Asia and able to challenge Japan and Hong Kong.

“Our first step is to give more game time to the players and to instil pride to play for their nation."

McArdell moved to Singapore with fellow Hartpury lecturer and Spain international Jaike Carter last July.

They started out on their Hartpury journey together as students on a Sports Coaching and Conditioning degree 10 years ago and the pair joined former Gloucester Rugby man James Forrester in Asia.

Carter coached alongside McArdell at Wanderers, taking charge of the backs.

They had also both been working as personal trainers at Forrester’s U-Fit company.

“We were given an incredible opportunity in Singapore and one we would never have had without the coaching experience, qualifications and contacts we gained at Hartpury,” added Frazer, who was also a Scotland youth international.

“Singapore are just starting to make a name for themselves in international rugby circles and I’m hoping to help them continue to propel rugby over here onwards and upwards."