Thailand relishing sevens competition with Asia’s elite

Thailand women’s sevens team were perhaps the surprise package at the recent Asian Games.

Despite not winning a medal, they beat Hong Kong to reach the Cup semi-finals before losing to China 29-5.

In the bronze medal match they lost 29-7 to Kazakhstan but their performances impressed many watching on.

Coach Chawiatt Klongtrujrok was pleased with Thailand’s performances which has given them a platform from which to build at the upcoming Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Series that starts on Friday in Hong Kong.

“This year’s Asian Games had a special atmosphere with a very nice host in Indonesia. It made me feeling good to be a part of that,” said Klongtrujrok.

“Rugby is more than a sport competition. It is a socialism, a culture, a family and a life. The Asian Games was a game for the people for their country and their family.”

Thailand face a tough day one in Hong Kong as they line up in a pool alongside Japan, Hong Kong and Korea.

Their first match is against the side they beat in the Asian Games quarter-finals and the weekend’s hosts, Hong Kong, who will be looking for retribution.

“Rugby sevens in Asia is growing up,” added Klongtrujrok.

“Many teams have a lot of potential like Japan, Hong Kong and China. They have a high standard for other Asian sides to reach and to get in to the global level. This pushes us all to improve.

“We hope to use our performance in Jakarta to continue our development and to compete with the best in the series.”

Thailand women’s sevens team

You can watch all matches from the Asia Rugby Sevens Series LIVE on Asia Rugby’s Facebook page.

Link to…….. Asia Rugby Sevens Series