Macau Bats to debut in Bangkok tournament

Local junior rugby club Macau Bats are preparing for their upcoming debut in the tenth Bangkok International 10s Rugby tournament over the weekend of February 24 and 25. The Bats have entered three teams at U10, U12 and U16 levels, and have been busy training throughout the holiday period.

“This is the largest number of teams we have taken to a regional tournament. In previous years we have played in Kuala Lumpur, but this is our first time playing in Bangkok and it’s safe to say that all the players are very much looking forward to the tournament. We will be competing against some very strong teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. This will be an excellent experience for all the players,” said U16s head coach Paul Baker.

The Bats will take a travelling group of over 70 to Bangkok, composed of players, parents and coaches.

U12s coach Saj Fernando commented, “The players have been preparing well and this will give them the chance to build on their very good recent performances at the Hong Kong festivals. Our expectation of the event is a number of testing games and, if the cards fall in our favor, a top half finish. However, it’s the taking part and experience to be gained that is the really important part.”

All the Macau teams have been drawn in groups of five and will play pool games on the first day before competing in possible semi-finals and finals on the second day.

The Bangkok International Rugby 10s is a premium regional sports event and a highly regarded competition for youth, men’s and women’s teams. Almost 100 teams will participate.