MAIN COMPETITION

THE OLD RHINOS - HARRINGEY, LONDON

The team photograph shows the ‘Old Rhinos’ as they were in 1983!  There are no recent photos as the team observe the tour mantra of “No tales off tour and no cameras on it!”
The Old Rhinos are made up of past players and friends of Harringey RFC from North London.  The club was founded in 1963 and has provided a social focus for rugby players from all around the world since that time.
The Old Rhinos have only ever had one fixture and that was in 1999.  We are always happy to meet new people so if you are in London pay us a visit or check out our website at www.harringeyrugby.co.uk.

BANGKOK JAPANESE

Now, we are facing the difficulties to play rugby.

1. Political situation is unstable, so that we must be careful for going out.
2. Economic situation is unstable, so that we must work harder than before.
3. Family situation is unstable, so that we must take care for wife and children.

However, tastes of beer after the game makes us to get over the difficulties
over and over again!

CULLY COBRAS - DEVON RFC

Cully Cobras are the unofficial touring side of Cullompton RFC in Devon, UK. Formed after our own club committee refused to sanction any tour past Bristol for insurance reasons (& out of jealousy as the whole committee is so pussy whipped, none of them could get permission to come) we are out to raise the bar for junior club touring. But since our last tour was to Glasgow in 2005, that won’t be difficult!
We play in Cornwall & Devon league, which is Level 8 in England. We’re a club on the rise – we gained promotion last season & last month we won the Devon Junior Cup for the first time in a generation. We may all live in the same small inbred town, but our side has quite an international flavour – two of out side claim to have been born in Cornwall. They will be punished later.
Our captain happened to be on holiday in Phuket while the 2004 tournament was being held. He picked up games for the Vagabonds, Yachties & Pot Bellied Pigs and enjoyed himself so much he vowed to bring his side over - & 3 years later here we are! We’ve heard rumours we’ll be up against some pretty useful outfits, so we’re not sure how well we’re going to fare. We fancy our chances in the virgins’ beauty pageant though! But rest assured, if we can’t beat you on the pitch we’ll drink you under the table in Patong later!

SINGAPORE BUCKS

This year is Bucks RFC’s 40th Anniversary, and we are excited to visit the scenic shores of Phuket for another year of the Phuket 10’s. This year we bring over a 35 tourist strong party, and once again look forward to competing in the inaugural Phuket 10’s.
Some of the regular faces will again be appearing, Schlonger (who was born the same year as Bucks) Bomber (who is older than Bucks), JB and Nicko. Also this year we have a group of new tourists, who will venture on to the streets of Patong to experience the wonderful hospitality of Phuket.
2007 promises to be an exciting year for Bucks RFC, with the Phuket 10’s being one of the highlights, and both Bucks I’s and II’s, along with the VAGABUCKS (a mixture of players from the Vagabonds RFC and Bucks RFC) promise to put up a spirited effort on, and, of course, off the pitch.
Many thanks and congratulations must go to the committee and organizers of the Phuket 10’s for continuing the great tradition of rugby, and for once again, organizing an excellent tournament.
Tour Motto – “TONIGHT, WE DINE IN SOY BANGLA”

SELANGOR DOGS

The Royal Selangor Club, The Dog, is one of Asia's oldest sporting clubs. Founded in 1884 exclusively for the use of the British expatriate community, it is now a truly Malaysian institution.
The Club is still located on its original site adjacent to what is now called Dataran Merdeka in the heart of the old Kuala Lumpur. The mock tudor facade of the RSC buildings make it one of KL's most recognizable and valued architectural sites.
In 1997, the RSC opened up its sports annexe in Bukit Kiara. This facility has a rugby/soccer pitch, a hockey pitch, a cricket pitch and lawn and hard court tennis courts. It is also equipped with a gymnasium and swimming pool. However, the Pavilion Bar, modelled on the legendary Long Bar at the original Selangor Club, is probably the most heavily used facility. The rugby section is just one of 15 sporting sections at the Club These include soccer, golf, cricket, hockey and the original Hash House Harriers.
Rugby has been played at the Selangor Club since 1892. In the colonial era, the composition of the rugby team was a reflection of the times. A glance of past Dog teams on the walls of the Long Bar will attest to this. However, by the same token, the current crop of RSC players comprising talented and enthusiastic Malaysians and some clapped out old white farts, demonstrates how much Malaysia has changed since independence.
The Dog is known as "The home of Malaysian rugby." Being the first to actively play the sport in, then, Malaya, has earned the RSC this sobriquet. However, the RSC also stages the annual Jonah Jones 7s. As the first JJ was held in 1962, this is Asia's oldest continuing 7-a-side tournament. The 1998 version was a great success with 58 teams taking part.
The rugby section also prides itself on being gracious hosts to visiting sides and over its long history, the RSC has played host to players from almost all the world's rugby playing nations. As such, when foreigners think of rugby in Malaysia, they invariably think of the Royal Selangor Club.
This reputation is further enhanced by the RSC's love of touring. We tour at least once a year, normally to neighbouring countries. Tours capture the essence of (amateur) rugby - the fraternity, the camaraderie, the esprit de corps. No more so than with the Dog on tour. Legal and moral reasons prevent me from commenting further. Needless to say, you will have to find out for yourselves

MOORABBIN RAMS

The Moorabbin Rams have been regular competitors at the Phuket 10s since it's inaugural year. Whilst most players in tour party come from our local club in Melbourne, we are always pleased to include our very dear homesick pals from Hong Kong, Bali and Europe who come together annually for this tour. Over the years we have managed to win some silverware and this year we are again determined to take some home. We trust the rugby won't get in the way of enjoying ourselves amongst good friends and good food.
Despite Arv's efforts we hope to arrive in the correct place wearing the correct attire at the correct time!. Our trademark recovery sessions will be led by our very own Gazza and those willing to brave exercise are welcome to join in! Don't be surprised if you see the Rams have a Coffin Dodgers team in this year's Tournament as we finally realise that we are growing old disgracefully.

HONG KONG MONGRELS

'Mongrel' – A Dog of mixed and undefined Pedigree

The Hong Kong Mongrels are in awe to choose Phuket as our inaugural location as an official Babas Touring team. Founded by former HKFC Captain John Parker (JP), whilst in the depths of Central East in Hong Kong, our history has been somewhat brief but illustrious. JP's concept was to put together an exclusive invite-only touring side consisting of mates & colleagues that shared one dynamic in life – to have the ability to even have a good time in a Mosque. In bringing together such an array of talent from all walks of life & clubs over Hong Kong and beyond, seemingly immoveable boundaries & politics have been put aside – even that diehard stalwart of Valley who hated everything that HKFC stands for, Jon Clarkie a.k.a. 'Club', has agreed to tour with a team including Club players!

The thirsty Mongrels consist of some star-studded talent from off the pitch. Former Hong Kong International & Nurse Paul Wellham, a.k.a. 'Lethal', comes out of retirement to spread the Jack Daniels love and to shift a few Goodfellows Gentlemen's Club namecards as the M.D. of this family orientated establishment. Rumor has it that this crossword Demigod & Healthy Pig even knows the name of the Unknown Soldier….

Next up, the Edison Chan of the Rugby Fraternity, Phil Greening, son of Kojak, a.k.a. 'Clipboard Chump', makes the trip up from Singapore with his big toe heavily strapped and using his ears as wings. For those of you who fancied having a pop at this former England International who resembles a short-arsed Shrek, unlucky. Phil will be holding the Clipboard as Team Manager – he did ask Team management if he could bring his boots but was told to wind his non-existent neck in. Should have got Greenwood!

Unlike his illustrious father, Dave Guthrie a.k.a. 'Rent Boy', this bloke has little to offer – no hands, no gas & average banter. The only runs you will see down the touchline from this undistinguished Tourist is when he's the designated Linesman. This Gay Pride veteran sees himself as very much a ladies man. So ladies…no money, no honey……

Former Caveman & currently still illiterate Jason Going, a.k.a. 'Jake the Mus' is the only squad player who currently can talk about his rugby prowess in the present real time. Unlike the current All Blacks squad, when given Viagra Jason is at least guaranteed a Semi (at least Monday to Fridays, public Holidays excluded). Please ignore him if this once was warrior asks you to cook his eggs.

Big love to some of our support staff. Rainer a.k.a. 'Carlos the Mongrel' takes up the role as Cheerleader Pimp, John Bradley a.k.a. 'Rockstar' as Tour Director, Dave French a.k.a. 'French the Bench' as our 0xygen Tent Gofer (Mongrel Tour Members Free, Non Members a significant bribe for charity), Nick Gentle a.k.a. 'Nick the Geek' as Press Officer, Giles FA Cup Kid Disney a.k.a. 'Blocko' as Water Hog, Del-Boy a.k.a. 'The Pharmicist' to apply water and sponge – he did say he would take a 3 Day course but is full of more hot air than Vatche Mundigan a.k.a. 'Gladstone Small' after 25 pints of larger & 2 Vindaloos. Last and by no means least to Johnny Mann a.k.a. 'Johnny Two Packs' who takes up the role as the Dodgy Chinese Triad looking geezer with Cockney accent, location currently Lapland.

Special mention for Valley RFC Ponce Boozer who was the only squad member who was not personally invited and decided to invite himself. Despite a severe lack of talent and being as mobile as a parking meter, he got in on his name alone. Despite being middle aged & having toured several times, he has been sentenced as official Tour Virgin the cheeky cheeky monster.

SOUTHERNERS SPORTS CLUB - BANGKOK

Made up of both young and aging Bangkok ex-pats, the Southerners has grown a lot in the last few years. Our recent good showing in the Bangkok 10’s has generated more interest in 10’s rugby amongst the team. We even managed to send two teams to the Pattaya 10’s!
We will be playing and partying with customary Southerners enthusiasm in Phuket. That means playing as hard as we can and patting ourselves on the back with a beer or two afterwards

SHANGHAI TWIN DRAGONS - PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA

"Shanghai Twin Dragons has been the mightiest rugby team in a bar over
ten years here in Shanghai, and now is hungry for sun shine, beach, a
bit or more of spicy nights, and some rugby mean time. Smashing on the
pitch and smashed on the street, tiptop in the play and tits top in the
mind, STD will surely be the perfect fit in this event and the folks."

SAIGON GECKOS - VIETNAM

The Saigon Gecko’s head into this tournament still reeling in their recent triumphant Indochine Cup win, if not also still reeling in the pain of post traumatic stress of the muscles they never knew they had – ‘oh, sweet Jesus, when will I be able to move my head again?’ On hearing that our first game in Pool ‘A’ was at 7.45A.M., many have abandoned ship, taken their own lives, or just simply gone insane – those who have managed to keep it together consoled themselves on the fact this obscene time must be in some way, a kind of flattery, or as our resident long arm of the law said, ‘Is this some kind of sick joke?’ We have therefore succumbed to the fact that this time it really does mean no sleep on tour. With a special blend of nonchalant flair, ageless experience and a refined ability to coast through games whilst not spilling a drop, this Gecko’s side is not just here for a dose of number making or any other doses that penicillin can’t cure, but will be a formidable bunch both on and off the paddock, which both in our eyes, are; ‘the field of play’. Good luck to everyone – except Hanoi!

SAN MIGUEL WANDERERS - SINGAPORE

Let’s get Looooose!
That’s the rallying cry for the San Miguel Wanderers RFC as we launch yet another assault on the beaches & rugby fields of Phuket.
The 12 Sponge-bobs from last year had such a great tournament they decided to tell their friends, who told their friends and before you knew it we had a squad of 30 plus players and supporters lined up to represent Singapore’s finest in black and white.
Led by the indomitable Club President Patrick “Caesar El Prez Caligula Mugabe Amin Jong-iL” Knight the fearless men of Wanderers will attempt to do what other recent tours have not achieved and actually field a full team of club members
Other returning 2006 Players include VP Nathan “Luigi” Manzi, Schmolly the Russian Bear, Mick “Turn of Speed” Turner, Johan “JR Ewing” Coetzee, Father Abraham (a.k.a. Chetan Sharma) and that true legend of Singapore rugby Calven “The Beige Assassin” Bland”. Add to that a welcome return for Mark “The Tank” de Brincat and two generations of Pattisons and it’s definitely game on!
New Wanderers and tour virgins to watch out for include a rugby mad contingent from the Dark Continent (led by the aptly named Matt “Rhino” Roberts), some barking mad Englishmen (led by new Club Captain “Gorgeous” George Rippon), out of tune Welshmen (Rhys “Fatty Fingers” Jones & Aaron “Glass jaw” Ellis) and sundry, suntanned antipodeans all talking a good game, at least for now!
Finally huge thanks to our sponsors San Miguel & Harry’s Bar, to the organisers for having us back for another cracker tournament and to the opposition; we don’t know you yet but we are sure we’ll like you so “LETS GET LOOOOOSE!”

BAHRAIN LIGHTS RFC

Bahrain RFC 'Light'
Bahrain 'Light' travel to Phuket with what amounts to a 'dream team' of Bahrain rugby. Boasting a fine mixture of youthful exuberance tempered by the gritty experience of seasoned players like Rory 'I have the' Power and Simon 'the hardest working man in gulf rugby' Dedman. With the core of this years 1st XV pack making the trip, Bahrain are confident of securing enough possession to unleash the full force of James Clabburn on their unsuspecting opponents; furthermore, with part-time model and full-time heartbreaker Oliver Mills making his first tour they can be rightly confident of sweeping the board at the 2nd Annual Phuket Tour Virgins beauty pageant.

THE LIGHTS
RORY POWER CPT, ADAM KNIGHT, ADAM CLARKE, CHRIS OLD, SHANE STAPELTON, NICK MAYNARD, EMYR ROWLANDS, JAMES CLABBURN, MAX PALETHORPE, SIMON DEDMAN, JUSTIN KAPIL, OLLIE MILLS

THE RICHMOND PROPERTIES POT BELLIED PIGS

Pot Bellied Pig : porcus semper copulare

	Diet is an essential part of any fitness programme.  The more fatty,  junk foods you eat the heavier you become.  This means that when you go for a jog you are carrying more weight and need to use more energy and power to get around.  The more you weigh the stronger your legs muscles need to be to carry you around.  Everyone knows that leg muscle strength is crucial in rugby.  So do not just sit there and do nothing . eat something.
	Medical experts recognise that alcohol makes you feel stronger and more confident.  A confident player will always have that extra edge on the pitch so a few bottles of beer are always recommended before playing.  An additional benefit is that alcohol helps numb pain so allows a player to last the full ten minutes being unaware of minor injuries such as a broken collar bone or dislocated elbow.
	Performance-enhancing and other recreational drugs are strongly recommended as amateur players never get tested.  However,  please ensure that these are wholly legal in the jurisdiction in which you are playing as Asian nations take a very dim view of illegal drugs.
	Get a training partner or join a fitness group.  A problem shared is a problem halved.  Team up with a mate and alternate your training;  you train one month for yourself and him and he trains the next month as payback to you.  This saves a lot of time and effort.  If you form a group even more time is saved.
	Professional players always tell us that rest is a key part of their fitness programme.  If it works for professional players it will work for you.  Ensure that rest is a key component of your fitness programme.  Make sure you get plenty of rest but do not sit around doing nothing . you should be eating the appropriate foods to increase you leg muscle strength as noted above.
	In fact the key to fitness is to maximise your efforts at all times.  Do not tire yourself out before a game with silly warm up exercises ... it is 35 degrees centigrade out there.  Have a cold beer and a Thai beef salad just before the game   that extra weight could make all the difference in the scrums.  Similarly,  never ever continue to run after the referee’s whistle has gone for an infringement.  Conserve your energy at all times and walk to the next scrum or line out.  This way you will find you have more energy left for any night training you may be contemplating.

COFFIN DODGERS COMPETITION

BAHRAIN HEAVIES RFC

Fresh from an intensive fitness and conditioning program, many of this years Bahrain 'Heavy' side have made a number of sacrifices to allow them to be a part of this years cultural visit. In a mission to ensure peak physical, mental performance for this years 10s, these supermen of the Gulf rugby scene have doubled their daily intake of fruit and vegetables to 2, shunned Marlboro reds in favour of super lights, and brought forward several knee and hip replacement operations to allow enough time for full recovery before the team strides with purpose onto the pitch for their first game in Phuket. Under the watchful gaze of stern but fair fitness guru and spiritual leader Bob Phillips, Bahrain 'Heavy' are looking to play the open brand of free-flowing, running rugby that suits the lightning pace of players like Mehdi 'the Ayatollah of rock and rollah' Honor and Limping Lee Palmer.

THE HEAVIES.
MEHDI HONAR, PAUL MILLS, MEAT PIE, LEE PALMER CPT, ROB SEARL, RICARDO BRAHIM, SIMON TUCKER, JASON HURRELL, GARY ADRIAAN, ANDREW WALSH, JIM BAKER, IWAN GRIFFITH

CAIRNS OLD CROCS - AUSTRALIA

Cairns Old Crocs Rugby Union Club Inc. was formed in 1999 over a few beers at the pub.  The boys still thought they had it in them.  The smell of sweat and liniment was beckoning them, that training regime of 4 nights a week was thrilling them, the lure of winning every game was empowering them.  They have since woken up from that dream…...SHIT..Reality hits!

The lead up to this tour - The Team!  The dedication of training hard every week started
6 months ago, working out strategies and moves (oops! hic-cup!).  Did we mention training sessions are held at our local haunt – Willie McBrides and Frogs on the Waterfront?  Getting that ale down their throats fast enough to discuss the next tactic is a strategy on its own!  Practice makes perfect – see you all at the bar….we mean on the field.

We consider ourselves to be a very sociable club, where even our women party just as hard as the boys.  Whether that is a good thing or not  – Hey for love of Rugby – WE LOVE IT!!!

We go on tour every year - we have ventured to WA, QLD, NT in Australia and overseas to Guam.  This will be our second overseas tour. 

We hold an Annual Tournament in September and this year is already proving to be a success as the nominations are filling fast.  We would love to see you guys come Down Under to Cairns – The Tropical part of Queensland.  See one of our members for a brochure or email us on admin@cairnsoldcrocs.com.au

The Crocettes
Gil and Lisa

ARABIAN GULF LEGENDS

The Gulf Legends is a newly formed unit of sprightly old farts from around the Middle East and Levant. The side comprises of an unruly bunch of geriatrics who once rose to the dizzying heights of International Rugby players and now find that they are mysteriously omitted from selection, having given the best years of their life, as well as many body parts, to the Arabian Gulf XV..
Coached and Captained by Brigadier Paul Manders VC, OBE, the Legends will be the side to beat off the pitch and will do well to reach the opening round of matches after having transited in Bangkok.
Gulf Legends President, General Sir Nigel Rowland Palmer says, "We, the few but proud, who managed to convince our wives, children and grandchildren that we were once again representing the AGRFU, have travelled from afar to act like children and relive the experience and unbridled joy of touring. We'd like to thank our sponsors, Sanatogen and Saga Holidays for enabling us to travel to the Mecca of World Rugby and look forward to entertaining the opposition and both of our fans."

THE OLD BANGKOK BANGERS

This year the Old Bangkok Bangers Rugby Club will celebrate being 6 years old, although the combined mental age of the squad may not reflect such maturity.  Throughout the years we have been taking part in veterans/oldies fringe games associated with all the major regular rugby tournaments in Thailand as well as organizing local veteran’s tournaments, hosting visiting touring teams and taking part in international rugby competitions.  Last year we took part in the Golden Oldies rugby festival in Buenos Aries as well as other tours which included to the Fat Boy’s 10’s in Angeles City and the Phuket 10’s in Thailand where the Bangers retained the Weasel Cup.  In September we played in the Angkor Wat 10’s vet’s competition. The Old Bangkok Bangers are looking forward to having another great time on and off the pitch and wish the organizers great success with the tournament.

COTTESLOE OLDE GULLS

"The best vista of any sporting club in the world" is how one supporter recently described the location of the Cottesloe Rugby Union Club. Perched high above the Seaview Golf Course it takes in a stunning view across Cottesloe's beaches, the Port of Fremantle and the landmark pines of Forrest Street as it tumbles down to the Indian Ocean.
Cottesloe is the oldest rugby club in WA, established on Cottesloe Oval in 1893.  The team was originally known as the Cottesloe 'Pirates' and donned a black jersey with an intimidating insignia of skull and crossbones over the left breast.
Although the 'Pirates', who fielded just one senior team in their initial years, disbanded in 1923, their fierce passion lives on in two shades of blue.  Now known simply as "Cottesloe", the club boasts a membership of 240 playing members.
Currently the club has a strong contingent represented in five senior teams a Golden Oldies team – the Olde Gulls - and a women's side while an established junior program fields 9 junior sides.
"Cottesloe has a very large contingent of juniors playing in 9 junior sides.  Over 100 kids come down and train on Thursday nights.  It looks like a mob of ants down there.  We have a sausage sizzle on the top for the parents and on balmy evenings with a cold drink in your hand it is like a big picnic," said past President Milton Hunt.
Cottesloe has also contributed 62 former players and members to refereeing ranks. "It means we reserve the right to bag the referees," he jokes with tongue firmly in cheek.
The Club has been successful in winning eight First Grade Premierships, the most recent in 2001.  It has not however, always been smooth sailing.  During World War II, for example, 90 percent of members served in the armed forces, at which time the Club briefly disbanded to amalgamate with Perth.  They reformed again and returned to Cottesloe in 1947 but by 1961 the club's membership had dwindled to 20, debts had reached an astronomical level, and spirit was at an all time low. The Club persevered and now ranks as one of WA’s rugby powerhouses.
The club is open to all those who share a love of the game, not just for those who live in Cottesloe, but those who want to experience the enthusiasm and tradition.
"Cottesloe was there first and will be the last to go.  Traditions, such as that we have established, never die

EXTINCT VOLCANOES - PHILLIPINES

The winners of the 2007 Phuket 10's over 35 competition return to defend their honour. Made up entirely of current and past rugby playing residents of the Philippines, most of the multi national team that won the Coffin Dodgers Competition last year are returning to Phuket with some Extinct Volcano virgins (the virgins say fresh legs), who only qualified in the past year to join this experienced touring team playing again in the gentlemen's tournament. Viewed as the end of season tour for those who play regularly for teams based in the in the Philippines, the Extinct Volcanoes look forward to the rugby, renewing old friendships, having fun and winning again at the 2008 Phuket 10's."