Under the new name of the Southern Thailand Warriors, the squad will compete in the six-team league when they kick off their second season next year (the squad will continue to use the Phuket Vagabonds name when competing in rugby union matches outside of the league). All home matches will be played at the stadium at Thanyapura Sports Club in Thalang.
“What's lacking with rugby union in Thailand is there is no proper competition or league. We never game much game time aside from just seven or 10-a-side tournament and one-off matches,” said Pat Cotter, founder and director of the Phuket Vagabonds.
“To be involved in this competition, we're going to get at least eight or nine games in a season. It's not only good for us but also for people who like to watch rugby league.”
Along with the Chiang Mai Titan, the Southern Thailand Warriors will join a league that will include a playoff and a Grand final in Bangkok. The rest of the teams in the league, which hosts their inaugural Grand Final on December 13, currently only has squads from Bangkok and Pattaya.
In joining the league, Phuket will also play host to rugby coaching clinics and training camps with professional coaches.
“This is something we want to try and introduce into the schools as well, get more Thai people to play,” said Cotter.
Representatives from all six teams will meet in Bangkok on December 14 to discuss the schedule and other logistics.
For more information, visit trlrugby13.com.