The opening session will take place on Saturday Apr 25 at 10am at Football Republic in Chalong, with a second clinic already scheduled for May 23 at the Alan Cooke Ground in Thalang. The programme is designed for players between the ages of 14–18 and is open to all ability levels, including beginners looking to get involved in the sport.
Youth rugby in Phuket currently operates across a number of separate environments, with varying levels of progression for junior players. Phuket Rugby Pathways has been created to help strengthen development standards, encourage wider participation, and provide a clearer pathway for young athletes to improve their skills and understanding of the game.
The coaching team is made up of experienced, qualified Level 1 and Level 2 rugby union coaches who bring a strong mix of playing and coaching backgrounds.
Nick, Cillian, Dan and Thomas have all played senior rugby union across a range of clubs, with experience in professional and semi-professional environments across the world, including Munster Rugby Academy, UCC RFC, Skibbereen RFC, Clonakilty RFC and Wanderers RFC in Ireland; Sale Sharks Jets, Leeds Carnegie (now Leeds Tykes), Moseley Rugby Club (now Birmingham Moseley), Cinderford RFC, Woodrush RFC and Cheltenham RFC in the UK; Mystic River RFC in the USA; Powerhouse RFC in Australia; and Sydenham RFC in New Zealand; as well as Bangkok Southerners in Thailand.
Their combined experience spans rugby across the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Thailand, giving them a broad perspective on the game and its different styles.
“This is about contributing positively to sustainable junior rugby growth and development in Phuket,” said Cillian.
“We want players to understand the game better, enjoy their rugby, and develop the necessary skills and confidence to take that into senior rugby, wherever that may be,” added Nick.
The clinics will focus on core rugby union skills, including catch and pass, breakdown work, and game scenarios, including set-piece work, delivered in a structured but enjoyable setting. The format will consist of periodic sessions held at various locations across Phuket, with the aim of building consistency and long-term progression for players.
Phuket Rugby Pathways aims to support the wider growth of junior rugby on the island, and welcomes anyone interested in contributing to that development. Independent clubs, schools, and individuals looking to establish or grow junior rugby programmes are encouraged to reach out for support and collaboration.
Spaces for the first clinic are limited, and early registration is encouraged. Players can register via the programme’s online sign-up form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvjdmsLgZwyjhkWi5eFM0pE0t1pnpX3WNvdx8sxYgJxIYdyw/viewform