The Hooters Bangkok International Rugby 10s Tournament brings 80 international teams – including a few famous faces – to the pitches of Bangkok Patana School RUGBY fans in Bangkok and beyond will be excited to hear that the Tens returns again this month. Sponsored this year by Hooters and Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, the event looks set to serve up another fantastic weekend of rugby and socializing, all to raise funds for underprivileged children in Bangkok. “We are proud to be partnering with Hooters and Four Points, who have provided significant funding and services to not only make the tournament a success but also greatly increase the value of the contribution to the charity,” says Eddie Evans, the founder of the tournament and the Nak Suu Charity (read our interview with Eddie on page 72). |
Nak Suu provides underprivileged children in Bangkok with rugby training and life skills, as well as support through education. All of the proceeds from The Hooters Bangkok International Rugby Tens Tournament go directly to the charity. This year marks the 11th edition of the rugby fest which draws 80 teams from around the world to play rugby for two days at levels ranging from highly social to highly competitive. |
The extremely popular tournament, which is always fully booked, is well known for its social and friendly atmosphere, including the parties surrounding the tournament. However, the tournament caters to all ages, with rugby for all age groups and fun rides and games for children. As always, a list of well-known international rugby players will join in the festivities. This year they include former Springbok captain Bobby Skinstad (South Africa); Ethienne Reynecke (South Africa), who played professionally for teams from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres; Zar Laurence (NZ), who plays Sevens for New Zealand; Willie Walker (NZ, Gloucester and Worcester Warriors); Luke Ottley (NZ, Waikato), and, joining again from Australia, William Brock (Australia Sevens) and Warrick Waugh (former Wallaby). Commentating for the tournament will be Willie Lose (former Tonga captain) and Dan Nicholl (TV presenter, South Africa). Eddie, himself a notable player having played three world cups for Canada, is looking forward to another hugely successful event. “There will be around 1,700 players and 4,000 spectators, all of them enjoying the rugby, the entertainment, the beer garden and the great food. There is also a kids’ zone with activities for the younger spectators and participants to enjoy.” Teams will be flying in from around the world for this rugby fest and include youth, men’s, women’s, old boys, and ancients rugby teams. There will also be a women’s touch rugby tournament. Once again the tournament will be covered on television by the Rugby Asia Channel, which airs on Setanta. “I would like to thank our generous sponsors,” Eddie continues. “The Nak Suu kids will benefit directly from the generous support from Hooters, Four Points By Sheraton Bangkok, RockTape, Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok Patana School, APAC Assistance, Health Box, Allied Pickfords, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, Nestle Pure Life, S5, Flow House, ACH and X-treme Sports Gear.” www.bangkokrugby10s.net |