Former Springbok flyhalf Naas Botha has been appointed head coach of India’s national rugby team.

Botha is helping India to prepare for the third division Asian Rugby Championship in Indonesia, where India have been grouped with the hosts and China.

India, who became a World Rugby member in 2001, are 82nd on the rankings.

The Indian Rugby website says there are 3,800 men and 1,300 women who play rugby in the country, while more than 800 schools offer rugby as a sport.

Botha has taken former Bulls hooker Jannie Brooks and coach Chris Buitendach with him as part of his coaching staff.

According to Rapport newspaper, the job is not expected to impact on Botha’s role as a SuperSport analyst.

Botha has previously coached Tuks’ varsity team and was the team manager when the Junior Boks won the World Championship under head coach Jake White in 2002.

Photo: Rugby India