Working through the items on the agenda, a committee was formed, a constitution agreed and a code of conduct voted upon. And so Chiang Mai’s newest rugby team, the Chiang Mai Cobras, were formed.
Most of the members of the new club are Chiang Mai rugby stalwarts who have played for many local teams over the years such as, the Lanna Rugby Club and the Chiang Mai All Stars as well as clubs further afield. They have come together to form a club that will have all the characteristics and ethics of an old school rugby establishment with the aim to help develop rugby in the region.
Working closely with the Thai Rugby Union, the NTR and local clubs, the Cobras intend to involve the club in all things rugby and take part in the annual 10 a side league, as well as competing in regional and national rugby tournaments.
The Cobras want to be involved in all areas of rugby development, including youth and women’s rugby. Be supportive of cultural and social activities and contribute to local charities in various ways. The Cobras will always aim to reach out and be a valuable contributor within the community.
Chiang Mai Cobras Rugby Club is an all inclusive club for rugby players and supporters from across the globe. The Cobras Rugby Club is all about getting in as many games as possible. Along with regular participation in the Chiang Mai Rugby Union League, regular touring will hopefully be at the core of the club. The Cobras aim to Play as many friendly games against as many of the local sides as they can, build up camaraderie and respect and attract local players to the club.
Founder and recently elected club chairman Dave McRitchie said ” Cobras Rugby Football Club was an idea that came up from a cadre of lads that have played together here in Chiang Mai. We felt we needed a new direction and a fresh start. We wanted all the things we missed from the rugby clubs of the past: the camaraderie, the social activity, the banter. Armed with those thoughts and the hope to give something back to the sport we love, in a country that we love, the Chiang Mai Cobras Rugby Football Club has been formed”.
Dave continued “It is our sincere desire to play competitive rugby combined with a seriously social aspect to the club that will bring us, our opposing teams, friends and family together”. “What we really want is to help grow the rugby community here in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand. We plan on weekly touch sessions, engagement with local schools and sponsorship of local players for tournaments, friendly matches and with select side Northern Thailand Rugby”.
The Cobras will organise regular weekly touch sessions that are open to all along with more structured training sessions on the weekends. Monthly club nights will be organised at the team club house The UN Irish, with team members, supporters and interested parties always welcome to join in the fun.
For more information contact chiangmaicobras@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/cobrasrugby
