Our neighbours, Shanghai Touch, get a new website

Last year, Korea Touch and Shanghai Touch both attended each others tournaments and we hope that will continue this year. Every year, Shanghai have been building and now they have launched their new website. Check it out!!http://www.shanghaitouch.com/www.shanghaitouch.com/Welcome.html

Cambridge University Tour in Seoul 1986

I am very happy to find a valuable picture of the Cambridge Univesity tour to Korea in 1986.

Surprisingly, the final result was 15-15 "even though" the referee was from England :)

You can see how strong Sangmu team(Korean Army team) was...

Two members of Sangmu went to Japan for rugby and three members became the head coaches of Yonsei Univ, Kyunghee Univ, and Samsung respectively. One touch judge (left) is a former head coach of Korea Uni and the other is the head coach of the Korean National team while the head coach of Sangmu became a head coach of the Korean National team later winning 4 gold medals at the Asian Games.

I said in another post that we need more interactions with overseas teams and I hope such the interactions can bring aspiration for young rugby players in Korea.

Dreams are coming true!

Good News from Japan: the RWC in Korea?

On March 2nd, the JRFU held a press conference regarding its plans for hosting 2015/2019 the Rugby World Cup that may be first taken place in Asia. The Executive Director, Mr. Mashimo, said "We would like to host the RWC to spread the spirit of rugby and distribute the sport to the Asia region." "Therefore, the plans for Seoul or Hong Kong to possibly host some matches are now under consideration." he added.

Also, the JRFU is looking for a way to have other Asian teams in the Top League. It sounds possible to me since Ice Hockey, which has a simillar status as rugby in Asia, has started the Asian Ice Hockey League (Korea-Japan-China) for the development of the sport in Asia.

Mr. Mori, a former prime minister of Japan, is the chairman of the JRFU and Japan Sports Council; he played rugby for Waseda University.

The Defending Champion, Yosei Uni won the first match of the KRU Spring League

The defending champion Yonsei University won the first match of the KRU Spring League today, defeating Dankook University 42-10. They will play against its rival Korea University on this Saturday at Incheon Technical Highschool. Only three universities participate in the league, so it is going to be the final match... :(

Beijing host Touch tournament April 5 2009

Looks like Great Wall on Saturday and Touch on Sunday....contact beijingtouch@yahoo.com for more details....

Meanwhile, Korea Touch will be canvassing interest to see if we can raise a team....email koreatouch@gmail.com if you want to go and represent Korean Touch!

President Lee Myung‐bak mentioned "Rugby" in NZ

It may be too common for presidents to talk about rugby in other countries but it can be a news in Korea that the President of Korea mentioned rugby during his speech.

President Lee Myung‐bak visiting three southern Pacific countries said "it is well known that New Zealand has the world-best rugby team, All Blacks." "I assume that this is because of strong solidarity and team-work." "As the All Blacks have shown, let's continue our mutual cooperation and solid support for both contries to lead the green new deal and growth."

I am happy that he knows what the Korean society needs to develop and what we can learn from the sport. (I really want to say something...but...)

Come on Girls, Don't let the boys have all the fun!

Attention all ladies,

The Amici Group HK are hosting an event especially for you ladies during the HK 7's week! We have decided that there are too many events in Hong Kong that week for the boys, so we thought it was time for the ladies to have the focus and attention.

This glamorous event, which will be held in The Living Room at the prestigious W Hotel in Kowloon, will boast some International players that are taking part in the 7's, strutting their stuff down a runway in some hot undies. A few lucky ladies will even have the privilege of spending some time up close and personal with some eligible bachelors who will be auctioned off for charity and if you don't win the man, there is always the chance to go home with a sparkling diamond!

There are many more surprises in store, free flowing champagne and canapés.....this event is just for you ladies, it's all about Bubbles, Boys and Bling!

Please see the attached flyer for details.

For tickets or more information contact:

Antony Phillips

email: antony@theamicigroup.com

Cell: (+852) 6698 4383

Electronic Bank Transfers are available, please contact Antony for the Account details

Cheques made payable to The Amici Group HK Ltd, can be sent to:

Suite 1204,

Kinwick Centre,

32 Hollywood Rd,

Central,

Hong Kong