Veteran Thailand Stars prop Andrew Tatam will captain the inaugural Thailand Residents team in their historic clash against Hong Kong Residents in Pattaya on May 28.
Tatam, 40, is an original Thailand Star who played in Thailand’s very first match against Philippines in Bangkok in 2012 and has played four internationals including tours to Philippines and Japan.
A school teacher at one of Bangkok’s exclusive international schools, Patana for seven years, he is also captain of the Bangkok Bangers Rugby Club.
Originally from Cornwall in the UK, he has played Rugby League previously in North Wales and boasts a match opposite the late, great Jonah Lomu.
“Looking forward to exposing many more Thailand Residents to the special Thailand Stars experience and welcoming them to our band of brothers against Hong Kong in Pattaya.” Said Tatam.
With Thailand Rugby just completing it’s tour to Uzbekistan and a big Rugby tournament on the same weekend in Phuket, the Thai Residents, who will be coached by another Stars player, Tyler Chant have had to source wide.
“Another group of players get their opportunity to play Rugby League in Thailand which is fantastic.” Said Andrew Charles, founder of Thai Rugby League and one of the selectors.
“The majority of the players selected are jumping out of their skin to have a game as they haven’t had the opportunity previously. This is their time and I am sure they will have a memorable experience against a competitive Hong Kong team.”
The match will be played at the beautiful Horseshoe Point Resort with a kick off at 3.30pm. An after match function at the resort pool will follow the game. The full squad is:
1. Sakul Chopaka
2. Julien Domenech
3. Kane Epati
4. Dean Chapman
5. William Evans
6. Mike Sephton-Poultney
7. Ben Geldart
8. Robert Milsom
9. Paul Stredder
10. Andrew Tatam (c)
11. Scott Oltmann
12. Marcel Aloumbe
13. Kenta Thiemprasert
14. George Willson
15. Chivas Bop
16. Richard Chigumba
17. Gareth Powell
18. Daniel Thomas
19. Takahiro Kuramae
20. Graeme Webster
Coach: Tyler Chant
