RUGBY LEAGUE NATION

 

 

Foundation Year - 2011

International Team - Thailand Rugby League

Top level domestic competition - N/A

History - Thai Rugby XIII was officially launched in 2011. Although in early stages of development, plans are well under way to develop rugby league throughout the kingdom of Thailand.

Rugby League is well known to Thai people, however Rugby Union is the dominant Rugby code at present as its played amongst the elite schools and universities. Thailand also has a National Rugby Union team which serves as a pathway for its players.

Thai Rugby XIII aims to create the same pathways and create opportunities for Thai Nationals to represent their country at both a Senior and Junior level.

Rugby League has traditionally been a sport for the working class. Therefore, the Thailand Rugby League wishes to create opportunities for not only the elite private schools to embrace this form of Rugby but for all people. From the districts of the big cities of Bangkok and Chaing Mai to the small towns and villages of Isaarn and the South. Rugby XIII will be available for all people.

Plans are underway for a small club competition to be created at both a Senior and Junior level representing different parts of Thailand and from there a National team to be selected to play in International matches. The Asian Rugby League Federation will soon be up and running and the vision is to play international matches against fellow member countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, China, India and the Philippines.

That is the future, however, the game in Thailand needs further exposure. This is where the great Rugby League community can help and make a difference. There are a number of ways this can be achieved.

Teams to participate in the Pattaya 9's tournament that will be scheduled in October each year. This tournament is the launching pad of Rugby League in Thailand as it gives the opportunity for Thai players and teams to get together and play. Without teams participating the Thai players do not get the opportunity to play our great game. It also enables the large ex pat population living in Thailand who love their League to be involved as participants or sponsors.

As Thailand is centrally located between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, Thailand Rugby League would love the opportunity to host representative fixtures such as Combined University or Student Rugby League Internationals. Combined Services (Army, Air Force, Navy, Police) internationals or tournaments.

Touring teams such as BARLA, GB Pioneers, Con Victs to come to Thailand and play matches against the locals.

Amateur club teams wishing to play post season or pre season matches to come to Thailand and play.

If there are any associations or clubs who are interested in the above I can contact Thailand Rugby League on sydneycup@live.com

Dear Readers, If you have first hand knowledge of the current Rugby League situation in Thailand we would love to hear from you. Please email us at: webmaster@rugbyleagueplanet.com or join our international rugby league Forums at http://forums.rugbyleagueplanet.com and let us all know what's going on in your part of the world.