On Friday, 24 September, a pride of 106 DHL Bangkok Lions set off to Singapore with parents and coaches on their inaugural rugby tour.

This was a first tour not only for the Bangkok Lions Mini Rugby Union, which was established in April this year, but also for virtually all the children.

Everybody arrived at the airport on time to be greeted by a 90 minute flight delay. The children took this in their stride and decided that a flight delay is obviously the ideal juncture for a game of rugby, as one does! Mayhem then ensued as an impromptu game was played in the check-in area, with the substitutes keeping their muscles warm by practicing gymnastics routines on those bars thoughtfully provided by the airport authorities. It is, however, rumoured that the authorities had an altogether different use in mind for the bars - surely not!

Eventually, when the airline ground crew could stand it no longer, the plane was boarded and a good flight was had by all. The younger club members ensured maintaining their optimum fitness levels by performing interval runs in the aircraft aisles. This created the added benefit of keeping the aisles clear of useless objects, such as hostesses who refused to serve more alcohol.

Our arrival at the hotel caused conflicting emotions amongst the adults, chiefly shock amongst the ladies and delight amongst the chaps. It was marvellous accommodation, full of local colour, mostly of the mini-skirted female kind. We later learnt that this was the centre of the Chinese red light district, although personally I don’t see what difference it makes if you want to use a coloured light bulb!

That evening’s entertainment was pursued according to normal civilized rugby tradition. As soon as the children were in bed, many of the parents and coaches investigated the output of the local brewing industry.

In one hostelry a member of the party was heard to say: “Don’t be ridiculous, you can’t just order one of those beers, get in 6.” When the beers arrived and were found to be below standard, and 8.8 % proof, it was decided that he should drink the lot, quickly, which he duly accomplished.

Another party member appeared to manage avoiding sleep altogether that night and when his brain eventually started registering on Saturday, he realized he had also completely avoided having any hair on his head. It seemed to have been stolen overnight, with the probable accomplice being a razor. There is a suspect - and you know who you are, Madam!

The big day, Saturday, arrived and we set off to the Singapore Centaurs Club with anticipation of some interesting rugby ahead. It transpired that our two heroes above exhibited outstanding stamina but this paled into insignificance next to the absolutely extraordinary performance put in by the children.

Every single Bangkok Lion played with such heart, personal commitment, teamwork and spirit that they could only come out on top.

And so it was. In 9 games, the Lions recorded 6 wins, 1 narrow loss and 2 exciting draws. Clearly the last few months of training and coaching had produced not only scoreboard results but a keen sense of pride. Both clubs were well supported by hundreds of spectators who were in turn entertained by a high level of junior rugby skills and sportsmanship.

Fleet footed under 9's captain Ian Ramsay led his team in scoring 4 tries while Max McSherry took the ball and most of both teams over the opposition line for a memorable try.

Matt Ingram and his under 10's attacked and defended with effort belying their ages, producing some tremendous flowing rugby to overcome the more experienced Centaurs.

It was the under 12's who combined to produce the tournaments highest winning margin in scoring a total of 14 tries to nil. Eric Moss, surely one of the regions most talented juniors, and Dan Buttling being players of particular note in a great side of very strong junior players.

Club Captain Michael Conrad's under 18's, many of whom were playing above their ages, entertained and prevailed through a combination of skill and grit. The ever-present Joe Louche was well supported by Robert Hill soaring in the lineouts while the spectators, as well as the opposition, were in awe of Josh Jones’ covering tackles.

At the ground the Centaurs provided great hospitality, food and beverages, along with willing opposition across all teams on the pitch. Between games and at the conclusion, players, coaches and supporters from both sides were able to meet in a family day atmosphere to discuss rugby in their respective regions. Centaurs’ President Tim Lambert congratulated both clubs and commented that the Bangkok Lions had made tremendous progress since being formed only in April. He said the Centaurs would be honoured to make a tour next season to Bangkok for a return tournament. In turn Lions president Bruce Hill thanked the Centaurs, all coaches and players for the opportunity to compete in Singapore. However rumours of an impending knighthood were strongly denied by Sir Bruce.

After a sumptuous buffet, Saturday evening saw the entire party head to the Singapore Zoo’s night safari. This safari is, in principle, a quiet affair conducted on trams through the zoo, however, when one of the trams had to stop for pedestrians crossing, a couple of South Africans in the party decided it was time to go off into ‘the Bush’. One would have thought South Africans would know better on a safari but one assumes they were off to cull a rampaging bull elephant or Tiger (beer!).

Sunday was a free day, with a few parents visiting old friends in Singapore and some keeping in training with an extensive shopping work out.. Most people headed for Sentosa Island for a relaxing spell of brain recovery, although it was a little concerning to see our intrepid South Africans arriving with complete swimming togs. We feared for the safety of the local Great White sharks but it appears our friends couldn’t be bothered with any animal pacifying that day.

Before heading to the airport a tour trial was conducted, where two members of the tour were found guilty of extreme enjoyment, well beyond the call of duty, and three members were found guilty of being altogether too American and successful at their rugby. Clearly there were no mitigating circumstances, as the world is extremely hopeful that America does not find rugby in a big way, as that will be the end of anybody else holding the Web Ellis Trophy (World Cup).

The tour was made possible through the support of tour sponsors: Chubb, DTC Travel, Diethelm, Food by Phone, Land Rover and the Old Bangkok Bangers. Many thanks to them, also to Bruce Hill and his Committee for organising a magnificent tour.

We all returned to Bangkok, in the middle of the night, from where a pride of Lions had departed 48 hours earlier but an immensely proud pride returned. This was a weekend to remember, when all the touring players of the Bangkok Lions rose to the occasion, to an extent far beyond all expectation, and played their hearts out, returning victorious from their inaugural rugby tour.