Phuket rugby scores a big one
Scrum down: From left, Sean Panton, Klaus Hebben, Pat Cotter, Graeme Spence and David Adamson. Photo: PIA.
A few months ago, Patrick Cotter, Phuket’s “Mr Rugby” was bemoaning the lack of local official support for the game in Phuket (see story here). Today he’s beaming with delight after the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will see an international-standard rugby academy set up in Phuket and a world-class pitch made available for the game.
The deal was signed a few days ago between the Phuket International Academy’s Sports, Art & Wellness Centre (PIASAWC), and NZRugby Resources (NZRR), a private company that specialises in rugby training.
At the end of last month NZRR signed a similar MOU with the Malaysian Rugby Union, and its overseas marketing director, Rob Yule, recently returned from a successful assignment as Iran’s National Coach. He has also coached Sri Lanka. NZRR has other rugby training deals with organisations in Japan, Lebanon, the Philippines, Portugal, Tahiti, and Bhutan.
The Phuket MOU was signed by the PIASAWC’s general manager, Sean Panton, and David Adamson, global operations director for NZRR. Watching with delight were the PIA’s founder Klaus Hebben, Graeme Spence, NZRR’s Southeast Asia director of operations and, of course, a grinning Cotter.
“We are very excited to sign our first of many strategic alliances with leading global sporting bodies. We are thrilled to establish the Rugby Academy at PIASAWC, as it fits our philosophy of developing individuals and teams in order to enhance their performance through a myriad sports services,” said Panton.
Ball's out! A shot from the ever-popular Phuket Rugby 10s, which attracts teams from around the world. Photo © Alasdair Forbes.
Cotter, who was instrumental in bringing the two sides together, said, “It’s fantastic for Phuket, the PIA, the NZRR and sport in general on the island, and I think Klaus Hebben has done a brilliant job in getting this all started, and has set a superb example of how education and sports should be tackled on the island.”
The Thai Rugby Union, too, has applauded the deal. Its secretary, Adisak Hemyoo, remarked, “The Thai Rugby Union is pleased to support and sanction rugby at Phuket International Academy as well as any tournaments that may occur there.”
PIASAWC, currently under development near the foothills of Phuket’s Khao Phra Taeo national park, on the east side of Phuket island, will provide a range of international-standard sports facilities for both the local community and for visiting international athletes, both professional and amateur.
These facilities will include an International Rugby Board-approved pitch, and Olympic competition pool, futsal and basketball courts and a boutique hotel for visiting athletes.
Youth involvement: Players from the Baan Sainamyen Municipal School take a breather during their match in the Rugby 10s. Photo courtesy Patrick Cotter.
For its part, NZRR will provide training courses covering rugby skills, sports science, physical conditioning, game sense, skill analysis and the role of the coach, and development of rugby in the community.
NZRR acts as a conduit between those who want to learn rugby and some of the top rugby players and coaches in New Zealand, plus the latest technology and training methods.
