One of the surprise packages out of the Asian qualifying tournament, Thailand, will use their new found confidence to attempt a few upsets at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.
After beating their more fancied rivals Japan and China on the way to securing a spot in the first Women’s RWC Sevens, captain Phanthippha Wongwangchan believes their best is yet to come.
“I am so excited and really looking forward to the competition. I want to show the world what Thailand is capable of in Rugby Sevens.
A Thai air force officer by day, Wongwangchan has been playing rugby for nine years and takes the responsibility of leading her country very seriously.
“It is my honour to lead the side to the RWC Sevens but it is also hard work for me to cheer them up when we are down,” she said.
“To be centre of the team, it requires more than just concentration. I need to be on fire.”
Drawn to play Canada, Brazil and Spain in their pool matches Wongwangchan says her team will not take a backward step.
“We are small but we are not afraid of any team.”
Thailand coach Supparut Allapach, who has been working on improving the squad’s strength and speed over the past few months, is prepared to go one step further suggesting the Thais can compete with any country in the world despite their size.
“Although we are the smallest in terms of physical condition, we are going to make them realise that size does not matter in Sevens. Teamwork is the key word in our team.”
Head coach at Vajiravudh College, one of Thailand’s best rugby schools, Allapach says rugby in Thailand has received a significant boost with their inclusion in RWC Sevens.
“More Thai people are fully aware of women’s rugby and it makes such a big impact on rugby in Thailand.”
With support like that it would seem Thailand will be one team that won’t be going down without a fight.
