The famous Bali International 10’s will be held again this year between the dates of the 10th and 11th of October. For those of you who have been before, you will know that the event is a massive date on the Asian Rugby Calendar. Two days of sun, fun and rugby on the island of the gods is something that every devotee of the game must do at least once in his or her life, so please note this one in your diaries! Entry fees per team are being capped at $US 850, in recognition of these dire financial times. For further info, please contact Rodney Holt at info@balirugby.com

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote the game of rugby in these beautiful isles, the IRFU would like to announce the first of two major off-field events for the year. The 2009 Indonesian Rugby Businessman’s Lunch is a networking event to be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Mega Kuningan on Wednesday, March 25th between 12.00 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.

The featured guest speaker for the day will be none other than Mr Chris “Buddha” Handy, legendary Queensland and Wallabies hooker and media personality. Joining him as MC for the afternoon is former ESPN Star presenter, Justin Sampson. There will also be a prominent Indonesian guest speaker, so the afternoon promises to be an entertaining one to say the very least.

And just in case you were wondering, the event has been strategically planned so the next day is a public holiday. The chance for an afternoon off and a recovery the next day gives you no excuse whatsoever to not be there on the day!

Tickets for this event can be obtained through Aaron Meadows at the IRFU office, who can be contacted on +62 858 8588 4921.

The IRFU would like to extend congratulations to Jakarta International School player, Fernando Assing, who has been named to represent the USA U17 team. The team will take part in the Millfield International Tournament in England this April, and will face the likes of Canada, France and Belgium. We wish Fernando and the team all the best for the tournament and thank JIS for its continuing work in turning out exceptional rugby talent!

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As an expat of quite a few years now, I have found myself in a new city more than a few times. As priority lists go when settling into a new locale, one is quite often bound to ask the same questions, no matter whether you’ve moved to Timbuktu or Oodnadatta. How much for a taxi? Where do I pay my bills and utilities? Which days are garbage collection days? And, where can I watch the rugby?

Fortunately, the IRFU is on hand to answer the most important of these, the latter. Currently, if you wish to see live rugby in Jakarta, there are two venues that excel in providing you the best of the Six Nations and Super 14’s. Fez by Aphrodite in Kemang, south Jakarta, is the home of rugby in the big durian and is a well-appointed and stylish spot to unwind with a cold drink whilst watching the game. Or for those of you who, like myself, are prone to nosebleeds if you cross south of Casablanca, sister venue Aphrodite in the Rasuna Said complex will likewise do the trick. As with the former location, the food is top-notch and you’d need eyes in the back of your head to catch all the sporting action played out on the dozen-or-so big screens strategically located around the place.

Nothing in this life, it is said, is easy, but you can rest assured that this one thing, watching rugby in Jakarta, is now. Get down to Fez or Aphro’s soon for a ruckin’ good time!

At the end of January, in my capacity as Rugby Development officer for the IRFU, I had the pleasure of visiting the Newmont mine site on Sumbawa and met up with the boys from the Sumbawa Nagas. Ray Daniels, the coach of these likely lads graciously hosted me for the day and I was party to the kind of hospitality one would not expect in such a far-flung location. With a tour of the mine out of the way, the serious business of training this massive squad was attended to. Your humble correspondent standing with tackle bag in hand, was subjected to a number of pummelings by the assembled players. All in good fun though, and afterwards the Sumbawa boys put on a slap up BBQ and a tour of west NTT’s glamorous night spots. It is both pleasing and reassuring that the great game is in such capable hands in this neck of the woods. And if the primarily Indonesian development team is anything to go by (not to mention the tag mark on my shoulder), Rugby will indeed have a huge future in the outer islands.

Below is a report on the club and its history from treasurer, James Midgley.

Since their humble start in 1998, the SUMBAWA NAGAS have been increasing their presence in both the Jakarta 10’s and Bali 10’s tournaments, bringing silverware home as early as 2001 by winning the Plate in the Bali competition. Recent achievements include, Runners Up Bali ’06 and Jakarta Tournament Champions in both ’07 & ’08. However the progression and achievements of the club do not stop there.

Mid way through 2008 the team got together and decided to develop a Indonesian National Side with the aim of competing in the 2008 Bali 10’s completion. After an amazing response to the call, pure dedication by both National and Expatriate alike, months of hard training and critiquing the team was ready. The tournament was a huge learning experience and helped further develop all the players by introducing them to a competitive standard not before seen. The end result was one of the clubs proudest moments, Naga National Development Squad – Runners Up Bali ’08. The enthusiasm shown by all involved was highly motivating and true testament to the attitude and comradery within the club. The Nagas have stamped themselves as a force to be reckoned with, and have our sights set high for the 2009 season.