The local Chiang Mai Rugby Family came together on Saturday 28 March, at the splendid Prince Royals College sports facility, for the CM Touch Rugby Festival, 2026.
Sponsored and organised by Khun Nor Zasi, it brought together a cross section of local talent from students, to grizzled, seasoned players, on a hot and hazy day. Matches were 10 minute games with 6 players per side, played under international Touch Rugby rules. The action was fast and furious, with the more nimble and speedy players, excelling in what was a fun day of action.
With youth teams from the Prince Royals College & Lanna Rugby Club, along with the Chiang Mai All Stars, Cobras Rugby Club, Lanna Rugby Club and the Payap Old Boys, it was an ecletic cross section of all that is good about Chiang Mai Rugby at the moment. Over the previous 4 or 5 years, Chiang Mai rugby has again been on the rise, and judging by the number of players on Saturday, the future, looks brighter still.
In the Youth Division, Mr. Pattarapol Khemudomthanachot (Dam) was the overal MVP playing in the under 16 Division. His pace and side stepping ability in the Cup Final game saw him win the accolade, in front of some worthy adversaries. Siriset Saipanyoyai (Wan) was MVP in the Open Division. Being strong with exceptional speed, Wan is fast becoming, a future star of the sport.
Organiser, Mr. Nor Sazi said, “I would like to thank all the sponsors and especially the PRC family rugby club, who helped provide all the food and drinks for everyone. The event brought together all the Chiang Mai rugby family, as a pre season warm up, before the more serious stuff starts, in a few months. All the kids were very happy to get some game time in this tournament, to show off their skills to parents and players alike”.
For more information on the touch rugby scene in Chiang Mai contact Nor at CM All Stars or Matt or Thomo at Lanna Rugby Club
