This weekend sees the 17th staging of the popular Chris Kays Memorial Rugby Tournament in Pattaya which kicks off at the Horseshoe Point Resort tomorrow at 9am.
Hosts Pattaya Panthers have been very busy this year, taking part in tournaments in Bangkok, Vientiane, Surin and Khon Kaen. They have enjoyed some success -- mostly off the field -- and feel that they are peaking just in time for their very own tournament.
Five overseas teams will be participating, including a squad from England. Other overseas visitors are the Vikings from Australia and the Valley Griffins and Hong Kong Scottish from Hong Kong. A completely unknown quantity will be a state selection side from India.
In addition many strong club sides from Thailand will be seen in action.
There will be a total of 24 games in the initial round robin stages tomorrow with the knockout stages on Sunday. The tournament will wrap up with the Cup Final at 5pm.
The much anticipated tournament always serves up some great rugby and guarantees a weekend of festive entertainment for supporters. To cope with the heat, plenty of refreshments are available, including cold beer and tasty pies.
Among the sponsors are Robin Hood Tavern, Rugby School, Societe Generale de Surveillance, S5 Agency World, WHA Hemaraj Land and Development Co, Ltd, Manpower Thailand and Phoenix Pacific Inc.