Defending champions the Saudex Kukri Badgers from the UK beat Australia’s Morrabbin Adidas Rams by a convincing 38-0 to take the Clive Williamson Cup in the 2009 Phuket Rugby 10s.

Thai local and national authorities are wasting golden opportunities to bring big sports events to Phuket, say two leading sports figures.

That ‘s “hookers” as in “front row” or “head butts” or “squashed nose and no ears” . In other words, rugby – the hooligan’s game played by gentlemen (as opposed to soccer which, it is said, is the other way round).

Desk jockeys like those of us at Phuket Observer are quite happy enjoying Phuket’s tropical weather in the shade of the casuarina trees, with a frosty beer close to hand. But there are those on the island who just itch to get out a sweat a bit. Or a lot.

As a result, there are plenty of healthy (ie, masochistic) activities organised on the island. One of these is coming up soon – the annual Marathon & Fun Run organised by the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. The event, on May 24, aims to raise funds for the Phuket Marine Biological Center’s sea turtle rescue and conservation efforts.

A heads-up for seriously sporty types: Online reservations are now open for the 2009 Laguna Phuket Triathlon, which will take place on Sunday, December 6. Anyone interested in taking part should register fast; in the past four years, all places have been filled long before the event.

Nine hundred athletes are expected to take part in the triathlon, now in its 16th year. The event comprises a grueling combination of 1.8km swim, 55km cycle and 12km run.

Former international players Trevor Chappell of Australia and Kenny Jackson of South Africa have confirmed they will take part in the sixth Phuket International Cricket Sixes, to be played at Karon Stadium from April 15 to 19.

Other former top-level cricketers are expected to confirm in the coming weeks that they, too, will play in Phuket.