Can you play Rugby Union in Cambodia? The answer is yes and no – before Covid, yes, but currently not so much. There is though a whole Cambodia Rugby sub-culture that few probably know exists, and it is led by Phnom Penh Social Rugby Club, otherwise known as the Rahus.
Football/Soccer is the standout national sport of Cambodia, with its origins stemming from French colonial times. Rugby was also brought in around the same time, but to say it has not fared so well would be an understatement.
To read about what it is like to watch football in Cambodia click here.
In a country with so many barang of Antipodean, French, or British heritage you would expect some kind of Rugby action, even if it was foreigner based, right? There is indeed a nascent Rugby Union scene in Cambodia, as well as a national team, but the driving forces of Rugby in the Kingdom are the Phnom Penh Social Rugby Club, the Rahus.
Khmer Nights met up with Club President Rosie Jenner at their unofficial clubhouse at the “Mad Monkey” to talk all things Cambodian Rugby.
When trying to research Rugby Union in Cambodia your club, aside from Wikipedia was pretty much all that showed up. Can you tell us the history of your club, why you started it and what it is all about?
“Our club was founded in 2015 by a group of French and South African rugby lovers who wanted to see the sport develop in the country. Rugby is a home away from home for many and to those arriving in the country as a working expat it’s an instant community to get easily involved with. Our mission remains the same since the club’s inception: to see the sport grow and develop in Cambodia and to be the main club in Phnom Penh for rugby fans from all over the world to connect with their rugby family.”
There is a Cambodian national team and a local Rugby Federation, you are pretty much the only club in the country, how does this marry up, do you work together and how is the overall “local” Cambodian Rugby scene?
“There are some local teams and when we have been able to play there have been some excellent Phnom Penh derby clashes. There are also NGOs in Cambodia working for development through rugby and sport, such as Kampuchea Ballop with whom we link up with and support regularly.
The reason you may have found the Rahus before anyone else however is probably because in ‘normal’ times, we are often touring round Southeast Asia to the many tens, sevens and touch tournaments that are hosted in the region. We also normally have a Cambodia Tens tournament in October where we host touring and local teams across a weekend. We miss that!”
The big question though is can you play Rugby Union in Cambodia? Please tell us how Covid has affected things and what the scene looks like in normal times? How often do you play, do you enter tournaments etc? Have you won any trophies?
“Absolutely! Our club is made up of a two contact teams – for men and women, and a mixed touch team. All three teams have come away with countless trophies, plates and bowls over the years, with our women’s contact team currently the Cambodia Tens champions.”
“Right now due to the C word (Ed; not that C word), our contact teams haven’t been able to play or train much, and of course international touring is off the cards for the moment.
Touch training and games are easy to organise at quick notice, so as soon as we get the go ahead we host touch training – which is a chance to run around and throw a ball around like we love to do. We’ve also hosted two touch tournaments in Phnom Penh since the pandemic started, including our inaugural memorial tournament, the Luke Walley Touch Tournament. We had over 70 players involved for the last tournament and we have plans to host more as soon as we are allowed to do so safely.”
Rugby is traditionally male dominated sport, do many women play Rugby? Do you accept female players and what is the local women’s Rugby scene in Cambodia?
“Womens rugby is the fastest growing sport in the world, so if they weren’t playing much before, they are now! Our women’s team has been very popular since the club began and we are always accepting new players. It’s much more common to find that women haven’t played much before so we’re very welcoming and encouraging of players who are beginners.”
“We can also proudly say that Lim, who has played for our women’s and touch team, is ranked 32 in Asia! Women in rugby in Cambodia are definitely making their mark and we’re super proud of Lim.”
With so many foreigners in town are other football codes played, such as Aussie Rules, Gaelic Football, or Rugby League? And if so is there rivalry or cooperation between the codes?
“It’s great having so many clubs in the city. We did have an event planned last year with the AFL and Gaelic clubs but it sadly got disrupted by a lockdown. Rugby league have just started in the city but we’ve already had talks about how we can support each other.
Some players come to more than one sport, so it’s always great to host them at training and events. Of course, we are competitive and there’s normally your primary club you are loyal to, but the true beauty of rugby is that we can all sit down for a beer with each other once the games are out of the way.”
Aside from the playing side, how can people get involved with Rugby Union in Cambodia? Do you have a clubhouse? Do you accept, or need sponsorship? Feel free to shamelessly plug your organization.
“If playing isn’t your thing, we’re always happy to connect with rugby fans while watching an international game. As international rugby gets underway again we’re in the search for a clubhouse so we’re testing the beer at a few venues around town. If you have a great screen and average beer, feel free to contact me to chat more about hosting our club for a screening party.
Our sponsorship year is due to start in September, so we’re finalising logos for sponsors now. We’re always after sponsors to help support our training sessions – equipment, pitches, running costs etc. as well as sponsors to feature on our member’s club polo and playing kits. Sponsors can do this by donating to the club or proposing a discount for our clubs’ members at their business. Contact me to find out more or to sit down to chat about how your business could get involved.”
We couldn’t help but notice the very sexy Rugby Jerseys you have, I have already stated a desire to buy one, can the Khmer Nights readers get in on the action?
“Why thank you! We love our kit, which has its own original design. The logo was also specially designed for us and features Rahu biting on a rugby ball instead of the moon. It’s amazing to have a jersey so connected to Cambodia and its culture.
We will be selling off the previous season’s contact jerseys and touch singlets so keep checking our Facebook page (link at the end) for an update soon.”
Any last thoughts you’d like to share on Rugby in Cambodia?
“We are here and we are ready to play! Rugby is one of the most inclusive sports in the world – no matter your age, gender, fitness level there’s a position for everyone (even if that is propping up the bar!). It’s a great way to meet people too as you’ll be connected with people from all walks of life – rugby truly does bring people together and your rugby family will be your family for life.”
“The Rahus rugby family will be here to welcome you if you decide to join us! Get in touch with us on Facebook messenger for updates on training and socials.”
You can play Rugby Union in Cambodia
So, there you have it, Covid notwithstanding you can actually play Rugby in Cambodia, rather than just supping beers and watching the 6 Nations.
To keep up to date on when Rugby might resume in Cambodia and indeed get involved then “like” the Phnom Penh Social Rugby Club Facebook Page
If you’d like to buy a jersey or talk directly to the club you can send a message on Facebook or e-mail them at phnompenhrugby@gmail.com
