There were strong contingents from Chiang Mai across the board with all the age groups represented from Prince Royals College and Lanna Lions youth program sending boys and girls teams.
In the Men’s Open division A strong group from Cobras Rugby Club, Lanna Rugby Club, Phitsanulok & the Royal Thai Navy would vie to see who would represent Northern Thailand in the national finals to be held in Bangkok over the weekend of 12-14 October 2024.
The Royal Thai Navy made the early running, winning both their games against Lanna Rugby & Phitsanulok respectively, to emerge favourites. The Chiang Mai Cobras weren’t going to let them have it their own way and after a strong showing on day one, beating an inexperienced Phitsanulok side 33-0 and their Chiang Mai rivals, Lanna Rugby Club 19-0, they would play the Royal Thai Navy for top honours.
Lanna beat Phitsanulok for their first win of the weekend to finish third whilst The Royal Thai Navy, just had the legs to put the tenacious Cobras to bed with a last minute try, to seal the win 12-0. Both Royal Thai Navy and the Cobras Rugby Club qualified for the nationals and will represent Northern Thailand in the national finals.
In the youth divisions Prince Royal’s College will send teams to Bangkok in the U14s, U16s & U19s, each team winning all their games during the weekend and showing that they are the premier rugby school in the North.
The Lanna Lionesses qualified for the finals by virtue of being the only side to enter the women’s division whilst their girls team in the U12 progressed after some impressive performances.
Congratulations to all the teams and to the Thai Rugby Union & Phitsanulok sports authority for a well-run tournament.
