Bangkok Lions Mini Rugby Union was recently established by a collection of some of Bangkok’s finest “old rugby hands” to promote and develop rugby amongst the Thai and Expatriate youth of Bangkok. The initiative will see many of Bangkok’s leading rugby players involved in weekly coaching clinics on Saturday mornings at Bangkok Pattana School including players from the British Club and The Southerners.

An initial registration session targeted at children playing in the Bangkok Soccer League (BSL), whose season is coming to close, was held last Saturday with over 70 children registering. Further registration sessions will be held on 20th March between 8am and 1pm and also on 28 th on 12:30pm to 2pm at The Sports Complex opposite Bangkok Pattana School, 2/38 Soi LaSalle, Sukhumvit 105. The initiative targets all children between 4 and 17 and will take place from 24th April 2004 for approximately 10 to 12 weeks. Depending on the number of children eventually registering, it is hoped that from the initial coaching clinics a mini league can be established on a similar basis to the BSL.

“We hope to repeat the success of the BSL and assist in the development of youth rugby in Thailand. We are currently seeking sponsors to assist with keeping the costs to a minimum and do encourage companies to come forward”, said BLMRU Chairman Bruce Hill. “Through rugby, we are aiming to create a unique family environment on Saturday mornings with the children participating in the rugby and the parents by either involvement in the coaching, through assisting with the organisation of age group teams or purely through the pleasure of watching their children play. The family atmosphere will be enhanced by regular family BBQ’s at The Sports Complex opposite Bangkok Pattana School.”

For further information please contact Bruce Hill via e-mail on subru@loxinfo.co.th.