The 1st Chiang Mai Rugby Tens Tournament was held over the weekend November 27-28 at the rugby field of The Prince Royal’s College in Chiang Mai.
The tournament brought teams from all over Thailand such as the Pattaya Panthers, Phuket Vagabonds, The Old Bangkok Bangers, Goosers, Thonburi University, and a local team from The Prince’s Royal College, as well as an overseas contingent in the form of the GU ‘Doverie’ team from Russia, who all came together in a celebration of rugby and sporting spirit.
The Cup losing finalists Chiang Mai Tigers are still all smiles after the game.
The college rugby field was presented in exceptional condition and the tournament organizers received unstinting support from the school.
Chiang Mai residents came along in large and vocal numbers to watch the rugby over the two days and helped to make this inaugural event a great success. The feedback was very positive and the organizers have pledged to turn this into an annual event with teams from Australia and New Zealand already penciled in for next year.
To the tournament itself, and after two days of colourful and thoroughly entertaining Tens rugby, it seemed the long trip taken by the GU ‘Doverie’ team was well worth the effort as they overcame some spirited to opposition from the Chiang Mai Tigers to record a 14-7 win in the showcase Cup final, having earlier disposed of Thonburi University 22-0 in the semis in a comprehensive exhibition of running rugby.
The victorious GU ‘Doverie’ team from Russia with the Chiang Mai Tens rugby Cup.
In the Plate final, some local honor was restored when the host team, Prince Royal’s College, ran out 17-10 winners over the experienced and well known Bangkok Bangers.
Everyone is now looking forwards to another successful Chiang Mai Rugby Tens Tournament next year!
