The inaugural Dimbulla Estate Chiang Mai Rugby 11’s League kicks off on 19th August 2023 with a couple of mouthwatering clashes.
First up are last year’s 10’s league champions, the Chiangmai Cobras taking on the CMU BlackPurple. Kickoff is at 16:00. The second game is Lanna Rugby Club against Chiang Mai All Stars kicking off at 17:00. Games will be played in a 4 x 11 minutes format. All league matches will be played at Chiang Mai University.
The sponsor of the Rugby 11’s brand is Dimbulla Estate from Australia, which is not just creating waves in the Australian Wine industry, by winning best wine of the Hunter Valley show, gold medal, but also in the rugby world. The owner of Dimbulla Estate, Dilip Kumar, is the former Chairman of the NSW Rugby Union, Australian Rugby Union and also a Former Member of the World Rugby Board. He is a passionate supporter of fast, free flowing rugby, and is one of the driving forces behind the Rugby 11’s concept.
Co-Sponsor Whitesmiths and The Dimbulla Estate Rugby 11’s organisation is proud to support Chiang Mai Rugby in this new format, and look forward to seeing the action & excitement, that having a rampaging No 8(6), will bring, to the Tournament.
Mike Penistone, the Rugby 11’s coaching consultant said “At Last! A positive move to provide players, coaches and spectators with a rugby product that is stimulating and exciting to play, coach, and watch.”
“Rugby 11s opens up a whole new range of playing options. The additional forward, at the back of the scrum, now has a running, passing and support option.
His/her relationship with the scrum half, both in attack and defence, will challenge coaches to be creative in how to use them.
Running can be fast and into space, passing can be directly to the back line or more intricate with the scrum half. In support of the ball the new forward can ensure quick ball at the breakdown. In defence, the new forward can defend the blind side of the scrum, the scrum half the open side. Selection also becomes an issue;
Who do you play at the back of the scrum, athleticism so important? All in all, 11’s will produce a faster, more exciting, and competitive game.
The league has five teams playing each other twice over 10 weeks of rugby. The teams are Chiang Mai All Stars, Chiang Mai Cobras, CMU BlackPurple, CMU Gallants and the Lanna Rugby Club. There will be two matches each game day. If you would like more information on supporting, sponsoring or playing in the league contact info@11srugby.com
Come on down and support local rugby at its best!!
