The Chiang Mai Cobras Rugby Clubs, Player Pathway Initiative, continues to cross boundaries and create opportunities for local players to experience playing abroad.
The latest players to benefit are Chakrapop “Josh” Limsakul, a Chiang Mai local and Tama Williamson, a Thai/Australian player who has been on a player exchange with the Chiang Mai Cobras, for the past 8 weeks. Both players starred in the recently held, Amora Hotels & Resorts CNX International Dimbulla Rugby 11s Tournament, held at Suthep Stadium.
The two lads have been hosted by the City Rugby Club in Hong Kong, with the guys being immersed in Hong Kong culture, training sessions and playing for City RFC sister club, Tin Shui Wai RFC in the Hong Kong Division three league. The guys were picked in the starting XV, for their first game, starting at the inside & outside centre positions. Both players made an immediate impact with Williamson scoring a fine individual try in the opening minutes and Limsakul setting up another score in the 15-7 win for the Tin Shui team.
Both players will stay in Hong Kong and play another couple of 15s games before Limsakul returns to Thailand to play for Chiang Mai in the TRU Provincial Rugby Tournament taking place over the 10-19 December in Chantaburi Province. Williamson, will head back to Australia to continue his rugby career and will be back in Chiang Mai to reengage his connections with the CNX Cobras next year, and the many friends he has made in the local community, since his arrival.
Chakrapop “Josh” Limsakul has also been selected as the next Cobras Player Pathway Initiative candidate to go and play with the Kempsey Cannonballs in Australia in their 2025 season. We wish both players continued success and applaud the efforts of the CNX Cobras in creating these opportunities.
Cobras Club secretary, Pat Cotter said “We would like to send our heart felt thanks to City Rugby Club. Its important that these guys get these opportunities, as they don’t come along often. These are life changing experiences which are building lifelong memories and friendships. As youngsters, we didn’t have these opportunities, so through these guys, we are living our dream as well”
Dave McRitchie, Cobras chairman added ” Both Josh and Tama are great ambassadors for Cobras Rugby and firmly adhere to the play hard, play fair, and play for each other. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to Hong Kong City Rugby for their assistance and support. We are truly stronger together”
For more information on the Cobras Player pathway Initiative or Sponsorship opportunities contact
