Nak Suu Tigers: The Way of The Warrior

Blurb: Steve Thompson chats to Eddie Evans, former captain of Canada's national rugby union team, to learn more about his involvement in a community rugby initiative for underprivileged Thai children called the 'Nak Suu' (Warrior) Tigers Rugby Academy.

Steve Thompson

I recently caught up with Eddie Evans, a long-term Bangkok resident, who established a successful long-term career playing rugby in Japan after leading Canada in several major international rugby tournaments, including the Rugby World Cup.

When the affable Canadian’s rugby career eventually came to a close, he decided to relocate to Thailand, having grown fond of the country after visiting several times on vacation. In his efforts to give back something to the sport that provided him with so many wonderful times and the country that he now calls home, Evans helped to launch the Nak Suu (‘warrior’) Tigers Rugby Academy program in 2009, which reaches over 100 underprivileged children in slum communities in and around Bangkok.

Steve Thompson (ST): Who was responsible for initiating the program and how did you first get involved?

Eddie Evans (EE): I initiated the program in 2009 with the support of Sopo Fakaua, who was working in the slums with his family in order to try and help the communities there. Sopo was the perfect partner, as he shared my belief that we could add value to these kids’ lives through rugby and through the mentorship,

values and life skills that rugby provides.

ST: What does the program offer the children from a social and sporting perspective?

EE: Through rugby, we hope to offer these kids not only an opportunity to play and have fun in an organized team sport, but also provide an environment that provides some structure, organization and guidance in their lives. We are there to help mentor them and show them that there are people around who care. Remember, most of these kids come from very difficult backgrounds. Many of them are orphaned and have no family support. They are the 'poorest of the poor' in Thailand.

ST: It certainly sounds like a very worthy cause. Who is responsible for organizing and planning the training sessions?

EE: Sopo and his brother, Lea, take care of the weekly rugby training sessions. Their extensive team of volunteers organize all the coaching, as well as arts and craft-related activities, meals and snacks, along with transportation to and from the slums – it's a full days for these youngsters and for the organizers, too!

ST: Is the program specifically aimed at boys?

EE: Not at all, we have many girls of all ages involves as well.

ST: Have you identified any major talents during the program?

EE: Firstly, let me just say that the strides these young kids have made have been incredible. Remember, just two years ago these kids hadn't even seen a rugby

ball before! Recently, during the Bangkok International Rugby 10s tournament (learn more), they were able to compete and hold their own against overseas school teams that have huge established rugby programs with a long history of playing the sport. The raw talent and drive on display was incredible. I've never seen kids so hungry to perform and do well. ST: Where does the funding for the program come from?

EE: All our (limited) funds come from proceeds raised from the Bangkok International Rugby 10s Tournament and from a couple of key private donations. Actually, the rugby community in Canada has been great and we have had some awesome support from a couple of clubs and some individuals, who sent over a shipment of used rugby boots for the kids, while also providing some funding to help transport the kids to and from training every Saturday.

Currently, it is very tough and we seem to 'just manage' every month. Ideally, we are looking for more support from a major organization, which would enable us to include more kids in the program and also provide a better location, which would allow us to offer a better environment for the kids.

ST: Are the sessions conducted in English or Thai?

EE: We have both English and Thai speakers in attendance to assist with communication.

ST: Is there any link with organized religion?

EE: Well, Ark, one of our supporters, is a Christian organization, but we are not specifically focusing on religion. This is all about helping these kids out and providing them with some positive experiences and role models – namely, what organized sport can provide, such as a sense of belonging (to a club), along with a group of people who care for them.

ST: Could you tell our readers a little more about Sopo and his team?

EE: Sure. The sacrifice Sopo, his family and the volunteers make is amazing. My job of trying to raise funds and showcase what we are doing to the world is actually the easier of the two jobs. To see what Sopo and his team do day in, day out in the slums of Bangkok with these kids – well, it's very moving. To actually dedicate your life to helping the less fortunate is a sacrifice most people don't really understand.

ST: As a leading international player, who captained your home nation (Canada), could you tell us how you think Thailand could improve its efforts in terms of the development of rugby in the kingdom?

EE: Firstly, by offering more rugby in high schools, so that rugby can become a recognized school sport throughout the country. Typically, rugby is only offered in the country's most exclusive private schools. This needs to change so that more schools (and, therefore, more kids) are introduced to the game. The country also needs to improve the standard of coaching and increase the number of qualified coaches.

Like everything else in the kingdom, it all comes down to the kind of funding available to support the program. Now that rugby is an Olympic sport, I hope it will attract more funding for rugby in the kingdom. I'm a firm believer that, over a period of time, Thailand could emerge as a powerhouse of Asian rugby, especially in Rugby 7s (a smaller 7-a-side form of the game). Who knows, perhaps Nak Suu will be able to provide some future medal winners! It's certainly time to invest in the youth.

ST: Finally, feel free to share any updates or ways in which our readers may be able to assist.

EE: Any individuals wishing to volunteer at any level would be warmly welcomed. Even if it's just once a week to help coach or organize the kids – any form of input on this level would be greatly appreciated. Moreover, anyone who can contribute financially to this not-for-profit initiative can contact me directly at eddie.evans@x-tremerugbywear.com.

ST: Thanks very much for your valuable time.

EE: You’re welcome.