Excitement is building across the city as the Pullman G Pattaya 10s Rugby returns next month! The tournament has always proved to be a thrilling event where teams from across the region come to battle it out for the Chris Kays memorial trophy. With over 200 players, spectators and volunteers expected to attend the event on May 2nd at Horseshoe Point, organisers are busy ensuring that the day runs smoothly.
The Pattaya 10s, which has been held annually for over 20 years, has continued to grow and is now one of the most hotly contested rugby tournaments in the area. With the benefit of sponsorship from the Pullman G hotel, the event is expected to be bigger than ever this year.
Catering, music, ice baths and other exciting additions to the programme have been included thanks to the generous sponsors (Pullman G hotel, The Baron Lord Devereux, Lucy Electric, Chemtrex, GIS and IGS), and event organisers say there is guaranteed to be something for everyone on the day.
The Pulman G Pattaya 10s is set to be a huge celebration of sport, however, it is also the celebration of a life. The tournament is held in memory of one of the founding members of the Pattaya Panthers RFC, Chris Kays, who tragically lost his life in the 2002 Bali terrorist bombings. Much like the giant character that was Chris Kays, the tournament now attracts giants of the sport, with the current chairman of the club (AD ….) saying “we don’t only try to make this tournament bigger and better each year, but also the most funnest, with no exceptions!”
In terms of the day itself, proceedings will kick off at 9 am, with teams arriving from far and wide- (let’s hope they are all feeling fresh after some Friday night partying at The Tavern by Pullman G). Being an international tournament, there will be Scots, French, Irish and possibly representatives of all the six nations, in one team, which will no doubt lead to some interesting plays.
Wherever the teams are coming from, they are sure to bring their fighting spirit and a determination to win the coveted Chris Kays trophy. Horseshoe point will see the flamboyant French Asian Barbarians, the headstrong Hong Kong Scottish and the crafty Cobras from Chang Mai, pitted against the likes of the sturdy Southerners form Bangkok and of course the vicious Vagabonds from Phuket. The stage is set, the finals, undecided.
The distinctive pink uniforms of the hosts Pattaya Panthers RFC are also sure to be a spectacle, however, it will be the rugby that really brings the entertainment. The rugby 10s format originated in Southeast Asia and has become hugely popular globally. With only 10 (as opposed to 15) players on the pitch, the pace of matches is rapid. Scrums have only 5 players and drop kick conversions mean the points soon rack up.
The Pullman G Pattaya 10s tournament will kick off at 9 am on the 2nd of May at Horseshoe point. The event is not ticketed, however, spectators are encouraged to get there early to ensure they get a prime spot, whilst enjoying a coffee or pre-match beer. The full details of the day will be included in the programme which will soon be released online.
In the meantime, follow @pattaya_panthers_rfc or @pullmanpattayahhotel_g on Instagram, for updates and announcements about what is guaranteed to be a sporting spectacular!
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
