Rugby tournament returns to Pattaya

Rugby tournament returns to Pattaya

Next weekend will see the 13th staging of the Pattaya 10s Rugby Tournament.

It is now known as the Amari Orchid Pattaya Chris Kays Memorial Tournament to perpetuate the memory of the former Pattaya Panthers captain, who was tragically killed in the Bali bombing in October 2002.

Once again, the tournament will be staged at the Horseshoe Point Resort where the field has been completely renovated and is in superb condition.

There will be an open 10s tournament for men and an under-15 division to enable the youngsters to display their skills and potential.

Sixteen teams will participate in the main tournament and as usual there will be a very strong local influence led by the Old Bangkok Bangers and the newly invigorated Southerners.

The Thai Barbarians, who beat the Southerners in last year's epic final, will be back to defend their title and will be one of the favourites.

Former champions Thai Legends will be back while new names include Surin Brutal and the Watsrichan Old Boys, who have graduated from the youth tournament.

The overseas flavour will come from the Pau Ma Tei Barbarians, the touring identity of the famous Valley RFC in Hong Kong, and a relatively new team, Hong Kong Scottish RFC.

Bangkok Japanese will be looking to upset some of the more favoured teams. Thammasat University will be making their second appearance at the tournament and the military will return with a team from the Army Preparatory Academy.

Also a new alumnae team from Bangkok University Bargunchong will be making their debut on the local rugby scene.

Regular visitors the Chiang Mai Suas will be vying for the silverware and the Phuket Vagabonds will certainly be leading the charge to the bar.

The action will begin at 9am next Saturday and will conclude around 6pm Sunday.

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