Lao Rugby Bolsters Medical Team Capacity in Lead Up to 2019 Asia Rugby U20s Sevens in Vientiane

The Lao Rugby Federation (LRF) hosted the 2019 Asia Rugby U20s Sevens last month which saw 13 men’s and women’s international teams compete in two days of competition.

Alongside the international competition, the LRF hosted a Level 1 First Aid in Rugby Course, youth tag and contact competitions and fielded a high-quality team of first-aid responders, officials, and administrators to make the competition run smoothly.

In preparation for the tournament, the LRF’s medical team including Champa Ban powered by ChildFund Pass It Back Coaches and local ambulance medics upskilled themselves for contact rugby, by hosting a World Rugby First Aid In Rugby (“FAIR”) course with 12 participants (7 women and 5 men).

Having hosted six previous First Aid in Sport Courses in partnership with Asia Rugby’s Medical Committee and with more than 100 Coaches trained in basic first aid annually, the LRF boasts a unique accomplishment of having a trained first aider on site at every rugby training session run across the country.

“Having trained first aid responders at every session forms a key part of the LRF’s player welfare strategy,” says LRF’s Operations Director Viengsamai Souksavanh, “We were happy to take another step in that direction by hosting the first official World Rugby medical course last month.”

Asia Rugby’s Competitions Director, George Danapal was in Vientiane to oversee the competition and commented, “the Lao ChildFund Pass It Back Coaches’ previous training served them well and it was exciting to see them enrich their skills even further in the Asia Rugby and World Rugby endorsed FAIR course and to put their skills into action at the international competition.”

“Running tournament medical is not only about first aid skills,” mentioned Tournament Medical Manager Phonesavanh Sengmany, “Our team worked hard to prepare sound emergency action planning and get ready to respond to a range of issues throughout the two days. It was a tiring but very rewarding experience and I look forward to continuing to see the Lao Coaches develop and use their skills in contact and tag competitions to come.”

Following the course, the LRF’s Champa Ban powered by ChildFund Pass It Back Coaches will continue their work coaching in their communities and supporting with injuries and accidents that might come up on the pitch, but also more widely in their community.

As the Lao Coaches are often the highest trained first aid responders in their communities and have their own first aid kit through their coaching duties, over the years they have been called to the site of motorbike or farm accidents and are ready to serve their community with their emergency response skills.

Thanks to Asia Rugby, DAC and ChildFund Pass It Back for making this tournament and the LRF’s ongoing development possible for so many Lao Rugby Coaches, players and fans.