ANNUAL REPORT 2018 's President Note ear Friends of Lao Rugby, among their ranks. Our strong domestic clubs, with a notable D2018 was a star-studded year coaching pathways have also mention for the Vientiane Lions filled with new international enabled further positive progress who succeeded in recording a records, extraordinary growth and in the World Rugby Training and double as they came away with progress across all levels of rugby Education domain, with new the Cup Trophy at the Vientiane in Laos. We were delighted to be opportunities provided to solidify International Rugby 10s and the able to showcase our growth this our platform for the growth of Bangkok International 10s. The year, hosting 11 global rugby rugby in Laos. With assistance future for rugby looks bright with superstars and 17 international from Hong Kong Rugby Union a growing number of teams at the teams across the year. Alongside and Thai Rugby Union, we we U17 level transitioning to contact holding 14 club competitions and able to accredit 2 new Coach and gaining valuable experience 71 youth competitions in Laos, Educators, 21 World Rugby against international club teams. 2018 was also an exciting year Level 1 Coaches, and 8 World for international travel for our Rugby Level 1 Referees this year. s the LRF continues to develop, players and coaches. We visited 8 Awe would like to thank our ever countries for a variety of learning t the elite level, the Lao expanding family of stakeholders, exchanges and competitions ANational Men’s and Women’s partners, and sponsors for your this year, including a busy travel teams recorded 9 international for unwavering support. Your calendar for our junior and victories and scored 37 dedication to our vision has made senior representative teams. In international tries between them the success of 2018 possible. taking to the field in new and in a successful year on the pitch. Join us in reflecting on what has returning competitions around The Lao Women’s National Team been another successful year the region, we are delighted to recorded a record finish in Brunei for the Lao Rugby Federation continue to develop young talent in the 2018 Asia Rugby 7s Trophy, and in looking forward to future and build strong role models coming in as Plate Runners Up achievements as we continue to across the LRF’s elite programme. after winning four matches out strive to provide access to rugby of six (including producing some opportunities to all in the Lao PDR. e are also proud to have major tournament upsets). Their Wextended our rugby footprint U18 counterparts - the Lao U18 further across Laos this year, with Women’s National 7s Team - also Sincerely Yours, our Champa Ban Youth Rugby produced some stunning displays program expanding into 7 districts. to come away with the Bowl 139 active Champa Ban Coaches Trophy at the Asia Rugby U18 7s. continued to provide opportunities Mr. Virayouth Rathikoun for children and youth to learn hese performances followed LRF President and grow with us, with 41 teachers Tstrong showings from our OUR VISION AND MISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2018

LRF ANNUAL REPORT 2018

ACTIVITIES MISSION ENGAGEMENT VISION

LRF activities are focused on The mission of the LRF is to provide This mission will be achieved by ensuring The LRF is the governing body for all developing rugby through school and opportunities for men and women, boys that the LRF has the necessary capacity Rugby activities within the Lao PDR. community development initiatives, and girls, social and elite players, and those to deliver high quality playing and It works to realise the vision of a Lao supporting domestic and elite teams, in urban and rural areas to participate in participation opportunities to residents PDR in which all people have the and establishing a foundation that the sport of Rugby, whilst ensuring that across Laos, which we are hopeful opportunity to participate in the sport provides transparent and accountable health and personal development are will increase the National Olympic of Rugby. financial and administrative support realised to their fullest extent. Committee and Ministry of Education to every team, new and old, in the and Sport support, while also; engaging country of Laos. with communities, businesses, schools, institutions and other partners to provide sustainable access to playing and non- playing participants. STU

OUR BOARD AND GOVERNANCE

EXECUTIVE BOARD NOT PICTURED: STEVE MAJOR

Virayouth Rathikounv Somsanouk Mixay dr. bouthavy sisouphanthong Phannavanh Boutthavong WHERE WE WORK soukita Hueanphengohn xouchai panyanouvong Phousay phengphone vinay inthavong IN LAO PDR MEMBERSHIP AND REGISTRATION ○XIENG KHOUANG NATIONAL SPORT FEDERATION ○VIENTIANE ○CHAMPASSAK he LRF sits under the Elite Sports Full Member of Asia Rugby: The LRF Associate Member of World Rugby: TDepartment of the Lao Ministry of has been a full member of Asia Rugby The LRF has been an associate Education and Sport where more than since 2004 and remains active in member of World Rugby since 2004 41 sports are registered as National the regional body with seats on Asia and is one of 120 associate and full Sport Federations. The LRF’s Executive Rugby’s Development Committee, member unions globally. The LRF Board is approved by the Ministry Women’s Committee, and Medical is working to gain full membership and all rugby activities are governed Committee. The LRF has been by 2020 as part of the LRF’s current according to the LRF’s constitution. consistently praised as a ‘model strategic plan. developing union’ by Asia Rugby following union reviews annually. OUR AREAS OF WORK

ELITE RUGBY CLUB RUGBY

CHAMPA BAN LEADERSHIP YOUTH RUGBY DEVELOPMENT

he LRF’s work is divided Youth Rugby activities aim to any young people developing a sound structure into four areas as shown offer quality sport programming graduate from Champa to provide transparent financial There. The base of the LRF’s for children and youth that MBan Youth Rugby to join and administrative support to work is in developing the sport help young people to develop club rugby teams and from tehre the sport. This area of work through school and community their rugby skills while also some are also selected for the supports staff members and development initiatives in our learning about rugby’s values Lao Naitonal teams and other Coaches to learn how to lead Champa Ban Youth Rugby including passion, solidarity, representative teams under the rugby activities in a safe and program. Champa Ban means discipline, integrity and respect. LRF’s elite rugby programming. accountable way. ‘blossoming flower’ in Lao Our Leadership Development language and Champa Ban work aims to improve and ANNUAL REPORT 2018

ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2018

he LRF achieved exciting n 2018 the LRF also hosted their rugby coaching skills. A final Taccomplishments in 2018 I11 international superstars remarkable achievement the LRF including expanding into new including Charlotte Caslick who celebrated in 2018 was Ms. Lao districts, hosting 71 competitions traveled to Laos to support with Khang, the LRF’s Xieng Khouang and over 2,000 rugby and life skills coaching and inspiring the LRF’s Rugby Development Coordinator sessions. In our club rugby work, blossoming Champa Ban Youth being named one of BBC’s 100 the LRF welcomed a new club and Rugby scene. 2018 also saw 2 Women of 2018. Lao Khang hosted 14 competitions including new Lao World Rugby Coach became the first Lao recipient of the first U14 club competition. In Educators certified so World the award recognising her years our elite rugby programming, we Rugby Level 1 Coaching Courses of work to grow the sport of rugby earned 9 international victories can now be run in Lao and in Xieng Khouang, especially for including big wins over Brunei, Hmong languages for up and female players and coaches in Nepal, Guam and Indonesia. coming leaders interested to build rural areas. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 CHAMPA BAN

54% Youth Rugby Highlights

46% In our Champa Ban Youth The U14 Champa Ban Rugby work, the LRF expanded Championship was a historic to 7 new districts in Laos, event that saw a record hosted 71 competitions and number of youth 7s teams delivered 2278 rugby and life come together in contact skills sessions. During 2018, competition for the first time. 3,688 youth players were The competition including 8 actively involved in Champa participating Lao teams and 2 Ban powered by ChildFund visiting teams for a total of 10 Pass It Back youth rugby teams split evenly across male

programming with more than and female divisions.

MALES FEMALES 50% of players and Coaches being female. 2005 1683 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 CLUB RUGBY Senior Domestic Rugby Highlights 24 Senior Men’s and Women’s The DAC Weredragons won Club Teams from across Asia, the Men’s Cup Trophy with the Australia, and the United States Vientiane Lions winning the traveled to Vientiane for the Women’s Cup Trophy. 2018 Vientiane International Rugby Championship.

The Vientiane Lions completed the double, travelling to Bangkok for the 2018 Bangkok International 10s and defending the Cup Trophy. LRF The Colours League ANNUAL tournament expanded into Xieng Khouang for the first REPORT time and Xieng Khouang Rugby Football Club were welcomed as a full member of 2018 the LRF. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018

ELITE RUGBY Highlights from the Lao Representative Teams

The DAC Lao U18 Nagas Men’s in as Plate Runners Up after teams participated in the Bangkok winning four matches out of International Rugby 7s from 10-11 six (including producing some November and recorded a 3rd place major tournament upsets). finish. The DAC Lao U18 Women’s The DAC Lao Nagas Women’s National 7s Team - under the guidance team finished as Runners Up in the of World Rugby Level 2 Coaches, Singapore Life Girls Rugby TRC Cup. Boudsadee ‘Vaen’ Vongdala and Lao Khang - won the Bowl Trophy at The DAC Lao Nagas teams took the Asia Rugby U18 7s held in India. the pitch in the Lai Si Construction The team recorded wins against Kowloon RugbyFest (with the Women’s Bangladesh, Nepal and Chinese team winning the Plate) before playing Taipei. an exhibition match at the GFI Hong Kong Football Club 10s. The DAC Lao Men’s National Team participated in the Asia 7s Trophy At the elite level, the Lao National in Singapore. With the team in a Men's and Women’s teams recorded 9 transition phase, it was a tough international victories and scored 37 campaign, yet finished with a strong international tries between them in a victory against Nepal. successful year on the pitch. The DAC U18 Lao Men’s National The Lao Women’s National Team Team participated in the Asia Rugby recorded a record finish in Brunei in the U18s 7s in Malaysia from the 8-9 2018 Asia Rugby 7s Trophy, coming December. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT Administrative and Leadership Highlights

In 2018, 139 Champa Ban A rugby and english powered by ChildFund Pass language camp was held to It Back coaches earned new support our young leaders to certification levels at the access resources and interact 2018 Pass It Back Coach with, and learn from, visiting Training. coaches. 21 Level 1 Coaches and 8 Level 1 Referees earned new World Rugby Certifications. Viengsamai Souksavanh and Lao Kang becoming Laos’ first internationally qualified female Coach Educators. ANNUAL REPORT 2018

CHALLENGES CHAMPA BAN YOUTH RUGBY • Limited availability of suitable pitches for contact rugby; • Competing budget priorities restrict opportunities for development; • Safety concerns from community leaders around contact rugby. CLUB RUGBY • Limited pitch access and availability; • Lack of regular competitive fixtures; • Limited structured coaching support; • Player numbers and cost limits 15-a-side competitions. ELITE RUGBY • Lack of consistent coaching support; • Men’s National Team currently in transition; • Limited structured rehabilitation processes in place for injuries. ADMINISTRATION • Expansion into new districts resulting in overstretched staff members; • Limited funding available; • Clashing events and competition dates result in strained staff. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 2018 in review A LOOK BACK AT OUR ACTIVITIES

LRF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018

JANUARY nternational Weredragons in the DHL Coach Educations Vientiane International IDevelopment Rugby Championship. The LRF’s Rugby Development Manager, Sport for Tomorrow Event Pisa Vongdeuanpheng Four U13 and U16 teams gained further travelled to Moukdahan international coaching Province, Thailand to experience as he travelled participate in a Sport for to Vietnam to lead a Tomorrow event hosted contact training clinic for by Thai Rugby Union and the Vietnamese ChildFund Japan Rugby Football Pass It Back Coaches Union. who played for the DAC ANNUAL REPORT 2018

FEBRUARY ientiane International Rugby later visited our Champa Ban powered by Championship The 11th Annual ChildFund Pass It Back It Back work in VVientiane International Rugby Xieng Khouang Province. Championship was held as part of the Lao Rugby Festival. Held at Chao Anou Vong Leah Berard Referee Workshop Stadium from 3-4 February, the 2018 VIRC World Rugby Referee Leah Berard featured a total of 24 senior teams across led a workshop to up-skill LRF’ match Men’s and Women’s elite divisions and the officials before joining them and Women’s U17 division. providing support and analysis at the VIRC. 100 World Legends Tour In early February, three retired rugby Lao Rugby Awards legends – Frank Bunce of the New Zealand The inaugural Lao Rugby Awards was All Blacks, Paddy Johns of Irish Rugby, and hosted on February 4, recognising Junior Paramore of Manu Samoa – came individuals and groups for exceptional to Laos to participate in the DHL Vientiane performance, efforts and service to International Rugby Championship and rugby in Laos. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018

MARCH

U14 Champa Ban Selection Trials Women in Leadership Event Over 100 U14 players participated in a Three of LRF's staff members - Lao Champa Ban selection event hosted to Kang, Boudsadee Vongdala, and Aeng choose teams for the upcoming event Kang - spoke at a US Embassy event and to facilitate the transition of players at the Vientiane American Centre to from tag rugby to full contact rugby. share their experiences as leaders in the growth and development of rugby in Laos, with a focus on female empowerment. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Kowloon RugbyFest and GFI HKFC 10s On 4 April, the DAC APRIL Lao Nagas teams took the pitch in the Lai Si Construction Kowloon Coaching Workshops RugbyFest, before the The LRF’s National Team Leadership Committee attended a two day coaching DAC Lao Women’s workshop in Hong Kong, led by Hong Kong Rugby Union. Nagas played Hong Kong Football Club ICE as part of GFI Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) 10s.

U14 Champa Ban Championship On 29 April, the LRF hosted the U14 Champa Ban Championship featuring 10 teams from Vientiane and Xieng Khouang alongside visiting sides from Hong Kong Football Club (Fire and Ice). ANNUAL REPORT 2018 MAY-JUNE World Rugby Educator Course U16 Rugby and Life Skills Camps Coaches and DAC Lao National Team players, Viengsamai U16 boys and girls rugby and life skills camps were hosted in Souksavanh and Lao Khang, travelled to Hong Kong to Xieng Khouang including financial literacy and rugby activities. participate in the World Rugby Coach Educator course and became Laos’ first internationally qualified female Coach Rugby and English Camp Educators. A rugby and english language camp was held from 17-21 June to support our young leaders to access resources and International Children’s Day Celebrations interact with - and learn from - visiting coaches. The LRF celebrated International Children’s Day by hosting Champa Ban powered by ChildFund Pass It Back competitions 5th Annual ChildFund Pass It Back Coach Training across June in Xieng Khouang and Vientiane. More than 70 Coaches from 10 Districts attended the training covering rugby and life skills coaching, safeguarding, first aid, measuring change and team management content. ANNUAL REPORT 2018

JULY DAC LAOS NAGAS 7S MATCH AGAINST THAILAND The DAC Laos Nagas Men’s 7s team travelled to Thailand to play against Thailand Rugby Union in a series of preparation games for the upcoming Asia Rugby 7s Trophy. ANNUAL REPORT 2018

AUGUST Asia Rugby 7s Trophy The DAC Lao National Team competed at the Asia Rugby 7s Trophy in Singapore on 4-5 August.

International Rugby Superstar Visits Lewis Holland, Charlotte Caslick and Rebecca Tavo visited our Champa Ban powered by ChildFund Pass It Back teams in Vientiane and Xieng Khouang to support the growth of rugby in Laos from 16-22 August. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018

SEPTEMBER Colours League The first ever Colours League tournament hosted in Xieng Khouang took place on September 8th, with competitions also ongoing in Vientiane across the month.

Vientiane Province Expansion LRF expanded our work across Vientiane Province, with Champa Ban powered by ChildFund Pass It Back player recruitment campaigns beginning in new districts.

JENESYS Exchange Our LRF staff member and Champa Ban powered by ChildFund Pass It Back Coach - Saykham - attended the JENESYS Exchange in Japan to develop his rugby skillset.

Asia Rugby Club 7s The DAC Lao Nagas Women’s 7s team travelled to Bangkok to take part in the Asia Rugby Club 7s from 29- 30 September as they prepare for the international events in October. ANNUAL REPORT 2018

OCTOBER

Bangkok Southerner 10s The DAC Junior Nagas played in the Southerner 10s in Bangkok to gain valuable international experience.

Growing the Game Conference The LRF’s Rugby Development Manager, Pisa Vongdeuanpheng, attended Asia Rugby’s Growing the Game Conference in Fukuoka, Japan to gain insights from the rugby family across Asia.

Asia Rugby 7s Trophy The DAC Lao National Team recorded a best ever international finish as Plate Runners Up in the Asia Rugby 7s Trophy held in Brunei from 20-21 October.

Asia Rugby U18 7s The DAC Lao U18 National Team were Bowl Winners at the Asian Rugby U18 7s competition held in India from 26-28 October. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 NOVEMBER Bangkok 7s The DAC Lao U18 Nagas Men’s teams participated in the Bangkok International Rugby 7s from 10-11 November and recorded a 3rd place finish.

Coach Education Courses Hong Kong Rugby Union provided an upskill training for our World Rugby Level 2 Coaches to support them on their path towards Level 3 accreditations.

BBC 100 Women 2018 The LRF’s Xieng Khouang Rugby Development Coordinator, Lao Kang, was named as one of the BBC 100 Women of 2018. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 DECEMBER International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebrations In conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the LRF took part in a series of tag rugby activities with colleagues from Japan Rugby Football Union, ADDB and Lao Paralympics.

Asia Rugby U18s 7s The DAC U18 Lao Men’s National Team participated in the Asia Rugby U18s 7s in Malaysia from the 8-9 December.

Singapore Life Girls Rugby TRC Cup The DAC Lao Nagas Women’s team participated in the Singapore Life Girls Rugby TRC Cup on 8 December. ANNUAL REPORT 2018 FINANCIALS

Expenditure 2018 Administration Expenses $16,180.00 Bank Charges $828.00 Communications and Fundraising $5,362.00 Institutional Capacity Building $103,082.00 INCOME 2018 Staffing and Employee Costs $24,741.00 Restricted funds received $305,349.00 Domestic Club Rugby Activities $4,003.00 Attendance grants $4,589.00 Expenses Vientiane International Rugby Club payments $0.00 $12,124.00 Summary 2018 Championship (VIRC) Merchandise Sales $1,469.00 Combined DAC National Teams Opening Balance $24,652.00 $33,396.00 Restricted Sponsorship (Men’s/Women’s) $123,993.00 and Donation Income $467,633.00 DAC Men’s National Team $22,286.00 Unrestricted Sponsorship $3,779.00 Expenditure $458,831.00 DAC Women’s National Team $26,955.00 and Donation Closing Balance $33,453.00 International Representation and Vientiane International $4,318.00 Membership Fees Rugby Championship $8,606.00 (VIRC) Champa Ban All-Stars (U16/U17) $12,700.00 Others $19,848.00 Champa Ban All-Stars (U14) $8,195.00 Total $467,633.00 Champa Ban Youth Rugby $175,475.00 Miscellaneous $9,186.00 TOTAL $458,831.00 2018 REPORT Thanks to our Partners

ASIA RUGBY Thanks to our Platinum Sponsors Bronze: Silver: Gold: Platinum: Thanks to ourSponsors Community Partners: Now qualityhasanumber .

Gemini US Embassyin Vientiane French Embassy inVientiane British Embassy inVientiane House School CONVERSION/Shrewsbury JENESYS Japan Rugby UAE Rugby Thai RugbyUnion (HKRU) Hong KongRugbyUnion Singapore Rugby Kowloon RFC Glendale Raptors Princeton inAsia Partners Thanks toourCommunity Australian Aid Proudly supportedby; Women Win Beyond 2019 World RugbyImpact Asia Rugby ChildFund PassItBack Partners Thanks toourCurriculum Mercure Vientiane DFDL Legal&Tax, Bronze Sponsors: Resources New ZealandRugby Heinekein, DHL, Silver Sponsors: Coca-Cola Pot BelliedPigs, Vientiane College, Gold Sponsors: DAC Platinum Sponsors: Mike Coates Phonsak LeasingCo.,Ltd Hong KongCricketClub Saigon RugbyClub Hanoi Dragons Emily Gaughn Kristin McBreen Winrock AdvisorsLTD Maeve andLeoMadden Dustin Penrod Alby Pattison Maggie Dillon Wesley Feausi Player Sponsors Thanks toourDonorsand ESF KennedySchool DHL Hong KongCricketClub College YMCA ofHongKongChristian Kukri Hong KongFootballClub Sandy BayRFC Valley RFC Streamline Sports Escapade Sports Thanks toourKitDonors Hong Kong Friends ofLaoRugbyin ESF KennedySchool LTE Thanks toKeySupporters THANKS TO OUR Lao Khang THANKS TO OUR Mr. Keola Aeng Khang Vientiane College Teacher Assistants BOARD & STAFF Vannaxay Somsuthi VOLUNTEERS Princeton in Asia Fellows Virayouth Rathikoun Phonesak Khomsad Steve Jones Aeng Khang Jenny Redden Chris Garvey Somsanouk Mixay Stephen Weld Dr. Bounthavy Yur Ha Adrienne Garvey Annabel Cater Max Chevalier James Owens Sisouphanthong Sarah Owens Vinay Inthavong Galen Erickson Patricia Liu Soulisa Souwatdiphon Clive Hammond Madeleine Adcock Steve Major Xaisongkham Induangchanty Phanavanh Boutthavong Shilo Shalosky Panoy Phanalassy Boudsadee Vongdala Jacob Cawthorne Phonesavanh Souvanasy Viengsamai Souksavanh Aleta Phelps Pisa Vongdeuanpheng Yia Yar Hannah McDonald-Moniz Noy Sombatniyom Sarah Douangphachone Katdy Sounsiri Savanhxay Xayyasone Khounkham Douangphachone Anoulek Duongdala Koung Faiysamai Thippachanh Keomanisay Andrew Glover Megan Knight Alan Haverty Stephanie Kim Tou Seangaumphrn ANNUAL REPORT 2018