Phuket Rugby Sevens Date Announced

PHUKET TOWN: The Phuket International Rugby Sevens tournament has now been confirmed for July 24-25. The tournament, which will bring to Phuket 24 Thai and international teams, has been delayed because of imminent changes in the administration of the Thai Rugby Union (TRU). The TRU will meet next month to form a new committee which will then be responsible for organization of the event. Phuket Town Mayor Phumisak Hongyok told the Gazette this morning that the municipality welcomes the change of dates. He noted that holding the tournament during the island’s peak tourist season may have presented accommodation problems for organizers because of the large number of players, administrators and fans expected for Phuket’s first-ever Rugby Sevens competition. Mr Phumisak noted that improvements have recently been made to Saphan Hin Stadium, where the tournament will be held. He said new grass had been laid, the fence repaired and the stands refurbished.