We are happy to announce the start of the 2021 NTR Rugby 10’sLeague which kicks off on 21st August. Five teams will take part and compete over 10 weeks for the chance to be crowned Chiang Mai Champions.
The teams are:
CMU Aggie Rugby Club missed out on the 2020 league though many of their players got experience playing for other teams. They have a long rugby history and will start off as contenders to be in the mix and will no doubt take some serious scalps on the way. They play a fast running style of rugby and up front have some serious strength and ability. A speedy backline will have teams on the back foot especially going into the final quarter.
Cobras Rugby Club are a new team on the block. The Cobras were formed after a breakaway by senior players of the Lanna Rugby Club who decided that they wanted to try a different approach to club rugby. Comprising a mix of veterans and youth there will be experience in abundance and pace out wide. Although an unknown entity they will no doubt spring a few surprises during the season.
Lanna Rugby Club put in a hard shift last season. Their never say die attitude saw them win some tight games to make the final where they went behind early. Although they valiantly fought back, time ran out and they finished the season as runners up. With a mix of seasoned regulars and some new blood they will be a hard team to beat.
Maejo Rugby Club are a new and exciting addition to the league this season. With a long history of rugby and a well coached side, they will bring some serious competition to the rest of the teams in the league. Their youth, speed and technique will be severely tested and it will be interesting to see how they handle the pressure of league rugby. This team could well vie for honours come the end of the season.
Payap Rugby Club were the surprise package last season. They went from never playing rugby before to becoming champions when they beat the Lanna Lions in the final. They’re the perfect advertisement for playing regular rugby as they improved week on week & began putting in some impressive performances to make the final. This proud team are keen to defend the title and will be the team to beat.
Two matches will be played on each game day and various venues will be used during the 10 week tournament. The officials will be coordinated by referee Khun Pattarapon Ekdamrong who brings many years experience to the role.
We hope to expand the league to more teams next year with the aim to form an 8 team premier division in the future.
We plan to create a women’s league and will explore the possibilities of setting up a schools league in the future.
We plan to run some level 1 & 2 coaching courses in early August which will be open to all interested parties. If your keen to get certified as World Rugby qualified coaches please let us know.
Any players who are interested in taking part or supporters requiring information please contact us at
northernthailandrugby@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/NorthernThailandRugby
