And what a festival it was. This inaugural event proved an exceptionally well organised weekend of competitive rugby for the fortunate participants. With multiple fields hosting 10 a side rugby, touch rugby, netball and fitness competitions, supported by an excellent array of food and beverage choices, live music and DJs, the bar had been set for a very high standard, and the on field action didn’t disappoint.
A hardy squad of 13 or so Vagabonds were joined by talented members of the Bangkok Bangers and KL Tigers to put together an ambitious squad for the weekend’s challenge. Due to extensive Air Asia delays, the team had little opportunity for a Friday night social gathering, ensuring an unusually clear headed and motivated squad stepped on to the pitch for Saturday morning’s first match against a youthful Saigon Gecko’s.
It didn’t take long for the Vagabonds to find form, with their customary heavy contact and direct running putting them in good position for early points with Anthony van Sleeuwen breaking a multiple season try drought and finding a way under the posts from the back of a penalty tap and some quality ball speed.
With the forwards showing the way, the rapid wheels of the backline soon got involved with Alex Sears finding his way to the line after brushing multiple defenders, whilst new man James Warwick opened his account to send the Vagabonds off to a flying start with a 21-0 victory.
Next up, rivals from the north, the Chiang Mai Cobras who have had the better of the Vagabonds in recent tournaments. Once again, the Cobras shot out to a quick start, scoring early through their talented outside backs. However, buoyed by their earlier performance, the Vagabonds kept their heads up and went to work with some forward play in the middle of the pitch opening space on the outside for ageless captain Dan Ashburn to crash over in the corner. Two more tries from Sears followed and the Vagabonds pushed to close out the match with a 3 try to 1 lead. Fortunately, despite a last minute length of the field try from the Cobras, the Vagabonds held on for the win, 19-14.
Drubbing
Whilst encouraged by the early performances, it was clear from tournament results that the next matches were going to be a significant step up. The Kuala Lumpur teams were fielding exceptionally strong ( perhaps semi-professional?) squads and racking up serious scores against their opponents. And so, the Phuket team’s jubilation was short lived as the KL Tigers etched up an 40-0 drubbing of the local lads. It was clear the competition would close out with a two tier structure of those in the running and those just making up the numbers.
With that in mind, and with the regular tour challenge of a mounting injury toll on day two, the Vagabonds opted to drop game one in the Cup finals, and put their best effort into the Plate race. Alas, the sore buddies and impaired livers were not able to overcome another talented KL team and a dubious penalty count. Despite tour virgin and resident Mohican Craig Wright crossing the line, the Vagabonds lost to the KL Cobras 26-5.
The 3rd and 4th place Plate play off saw a gentlemanly agreement between two legendary social clubs, the Vababonds and the Pig Athletic Club take it to the water with a boat race to decide the victor. Despite their formidable adversary, the Vagabonds exceptional form in this arena saw them come out on top and close out the tournament with a final victory.
To a man, the KL Tigers Fest touring party for 2025 all agreed it was an exceptional tour, one to be repeated in 2026. Although, a quick head count and age review has the veterans tournament firmly in sight.
For now, it’s back to the training paddock until November where the Vagabonds will send a squad to the big city, Bangkok, for the Royal Bangkok Sport Club 10s. Sure to be another epic tour.
If you would like more information on the Phuket Vagabonds or playing rugby in Phuket at all ages reach out to www.phuketvagabonds.com or find them on the socials at facebook.com/vagabondsrugby.