Tigers Show Grit and Growth at Rugby School Thailand Tournament

Returning to the Rugby School Thailand tournament for a second consecutive year, our boys knew exactly what awaited them. The standard would be high, the competition fierce, and every game hard fought.

Arriving as confirmed league champions, the team began day one full of confidence. That belief translated into an excellent opening performance, securing an impressive 11-point victory against UWC in the pool stage.

The second game proved a tougher test, with the Tigers facing last year’s bronze medallists, Shrewsbury Bangkok. Despite remaining competitive until the end of the third quarter, the team ultimately fell to an eight-point defeat.

The final match of day one saw the Tigers take on tournament hosts Rugby School Thailand. With several players carrying knocks and a shortened bench, the squad showed admirable resilience. Despite the loss, scoring 30 points against a strong host side was a testament to their attacking intent and determination.

Day two began with a Plate quarter-final against Dulwich Singapore. In a heartbreaking contest, the Tigers led by ten points with just ten minutes remaining, only to suffer a narrow five-point defeat.

What followed was a true demonstration of the team’s character. Facing a strong Wellington Bangkok side, the boys responded superbly. Trailing with only two minutes left, they trusted their game plan, showed composure under pressure, and secured a dramatic five-point victory.

On day three, confidence was high as the Tigers took on Hua Hin International School in their final match. The team delivered their most complete performance of the tournament, combining flair in attack with ferocity in defence to claim a convincing win and complete an impressive turnaround after the disappointment earlier in the competition.

Every player contributed across the three days, making the MVP decision a difficult one. The award was presented to SNY, not only for his attacking quality, but also for his growing commitment to defence and the resilience he showed while playing through knocks.

During the final team meal, each player reflected on one personal achievement from the tournament. In truth, Coaches Junior and I could have added many more moments of pride for every member of the squad.

A special thank you goes to our travelling parent and chief cheerleader, Julia, for her incredible support of the team and coaching staff throughout the trip.

Having failed to win a game at this tournament last year, simply choosing to return spoke volumes about the team’s mindset. Winning three of six matches this time around highlights just how far they have come. We look forward to returning next year, hopefully alongside a senior girls’ basketball team.

#GoTigers