A FORMER Salisbury pupil has been offered a top job in the world of rugby.

Frazer McArdell, who schooled at Wyvern College, is the new men's head coach for Singapore Rugby Union.

The 29-year-old will be assisted by Casey Mee and former Singapore international Mark Lee. The trio will work with technical director Inoke Afeaki in a bid to gain promotion back into the Asia Rugby Championship Division 1.

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, told The Straits Times: "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 instil pride to play for the nation."

As a youngster, McArdell was in the minis and junior sections of Salisbury RFC.

He went on to captain the first team at Hartpury College University and represent Scotland under 18s, 19s and 20s.