Chiangmai International Touch Tournament Continues Rapid Growth
The Chiangmai International Touch Tournament returned to Northern Thailand this month, bringing together teams from across Thailand and Asia for a weekend of fast-paced international touch rugby at Suthep Municipal Stadium.
Hosted by the Chiangmai Hedgehogs and Lanna Rugby Club, the tournament featured men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions, with teams travelling from Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Chiang Mai to compete.
Matthew Hirst, Director of Rugby at Lanna Rugby Club, said the growth of the sport had been exciting to witness.
“It’s so great to see touch rugby grow in Thailand. This tournament has been a key part of that growth as we started last year and it’s grown by 50% in only a year.
Thank you to O and Maddie who helped lead the players and to Kennedy and Poly for running the show on the day. Thank you to Thailand Touch for the support.
If you’re local, we hope to see you at training. If you’re not, come join us next year,” he said.
In the Men’s competition, Southerners Touch claimed the Cup title, with Colombo Touch finishing runners-up. The Chiangmai Hedgehogs won the Men’s Plate, defeating Lanna Rugby Club in the final, while the Chiangmai All Stars secured the Men’s Shield with Hua Hin Harlequins finishing runners-up.
Thailand Firebacks also won the Women’s Cup competition, while the SEA Barbarians secured the Women’s Plate title.
Alongside the rugby, the event focused heavily on community building and creating opportunities for players of all backgrounds and experience levels to take part in the growing touch rugby scene across the region.
Organisers hope the tournament will continue to expand in future years as touch rugby gains momentum throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia.
For more information on Touch Rugby in Chiang Mai contact Matt at
lannarugbyclub@gmail.com
