Following In Pudis Footsteps - Chiang Mai Citylife

By Citylife | Fri 29 May 2026

Lanna Rugby Club Youth Star To Play With Kempsey Cannonballs

11s Rugby has been instrumental in creating pathways for young players to experience life changing events by playing abroad. A few years ago, we were able to create a pathway for talented, young Thai players in partnership with Craig Harman, and the Kempsey Cannonballs. In May 2024, we partnered with the Chiang Mai Cobras to send Pudis Sangsuwan, to play with the Kempsey Cannonballs in Australia

This year in partnership with Chiang Mai’s, Lanna Rugby Club, we have the opportunity to go again. AMIEL TANAPON WICHAI, is a young talented 18-year-old player, who has just graduated from Chiang Mai International School. He has been a member of the Lanna Rugby Club for 3 years, and his ambition, before attending college, is to travel and play rugby abroad, where he can enhance his rugby skills and experience. On his return he will bring all he has learned back, and help the Lanna coaches pass them on to the younger kids in the Lanna youth development program. This was all made possible by Lanna director of rugby, Matt Hirst, when he brought it to the attention of 11s Rugby. A quick phone call by them to Craig in Australia, and we are all set to go!

Sallyanne Wichai, Amiel’s mum, is over the moon that her son will be soon be in Australia saying “We are very excited about this amazing opportunity. Thank you all so much, 11s Rugby, Pat Cotter, Lanna Rugby Club & Matt Hirst along with Craig Harman & Kempsey Cannonballs, they have all worked hard to make this dream come true!”

Matt Hirst had this to say “Everyone at Lanna Rugby Club is so excited for Amiel to be able to play rugby in Australia. At 18 he’s a great lad and a fantastic athlete. We know he’ll learn a lot from his stay. I’d like to thank Rugby 11s and Pat for setting up this opportunity. We’d also like to thank Craig Harman and K.C.R.U.F.C. for welcoming him. Amiel has only played rugby for less than 3 years but his progress has been off the chart. It’s an incredible opportunity and I know he’ll learn a lot whilst he’s there.”

Craig Harmen, enthusiastic as ever said “Welcome Amiel, what a journey coming up for you… My family and I will look after you mate in true Aussie style. The Kempsey Cannonballs will offer you a true country rugby experience like no other. The rugby is fierce and the socialising as damaging, and best of all, first class coaching that has produced Super Rugby and Wallaby players”

See you in Phuket mate😎

Kempsey Cannonballs History

Kempsey Cannon Balls were established in New South Wales, Australia in 1975 and play in the Mid North Coast Rugby Union NSW Zone. They are approaching their 50^th anniversary & currently the Kempsey Cannonballs RUFC has three members of the club currently playing in Super Rugby; Darby Lancaster and Zac Hough for the Melbourne Rebels, Triston Reilly for the NSW Waratahs and a female member; Chloe Saunders playing for NSW in the 7s. There was probably no better era in Kempsey Cannonball history, as the early 90’s, which saw the club reach its pinnacle, winning the 1992 Premiership.

The club has always punched well above its weight, and currently field sides from U6 to 1st XV. The club is so popular that they actually field multiple sides in each age group from U6 to U12, have U14s, U16 men and women, U18s, Reserve Grade, Open Women’s and the 1st XV.

The player pathway initiative is the brainchild of Kempsey stalwart Craig Harman & Pat Cotter of 11s Rugby, who have collaborated on providing opportunities for talented Thai kids, regardless of background or affiliation. Craig said, “I have been talking up Thai rugby and its development for over a decade within my home club. When our first pathway player Pudis arrived, they saw for themselves why I am so excited. I can’t wait to see Amiel play. Hopefully, we can further his rugby knowledge and skills, and most importantly, show him what Australian country rugby culture, is all about”

Amiel is understandably nervous, but excited, about the opportunity to have the adventure of a lifetime, and chase his dream. “I would like to thank the Lanna Rugby Club for their trust in me to carry the flag for them & Northern Thai rugby, and I will do my best to make everyone proud”

Kempsey Cannonballs’ Craig Harman, has held just about every position at the Cannonballs over nearly two decades and currently sits on the MNCRU Judiciary. He told us that current KCRU Director of Rugby Alan Nugent?? has been coaching at the highest levels for over 40 years, and has coached rugby all over the world. The Kempsey club have had experience with their own player pathway in the past, when Jarod Saul followed Alan to Berlin, Germany, in 2014 for a rugby experience, just like Amiel is doing. Jarod ended up staying there, eventually signing a professional contract with the German 7s side, and has since played more than 100 games of Int. 7s for Germany.

Kempsey’s’ current player pathway has a direct route to the Super Rugby Pacific franchises with Darby Lancaster (20y.o) also a part of the current Aussie 7s squad. He has become one of the most followed union players in the country and is seen as a future Wallaby and superstar of the game. On debut for the rebels, he scored 3 tries. His father James was also a gifted player. James holds an ARU Level 3 Coaching Certificate and is a part of the Cannonballs Coaching Staff.

Amiel will travel to Australia after competing with the CNX Lanna Cobras at the upcoming Dragon Courier 2026 Phuket International Rugby 11s over 5-6 June. We will have regular updates to share on his journey over the next three months.

Good Luck Amiel.