By Chris McAsey
Laos is ready to take on the Asian powerhouses in Ho Chi Minh after getting experience into young national players at the Asian Championships in August.
A relative minnow in terms of population, Laos has focused on developing national players and sent a team made up almost entirely of local players to the Asian Championships. They gave a good account of themselves with wins over Hong Kong and the Barbarians, before hard fought losses to grand finalists Indonesia and Japan.
Laos sent a team made up almost entirely of local players to the 2024 Asian Championships.
Tingkham Vanmany (Ting) was selected in the All-Asian team after a strong tournament, while another standout player, captain and local coach Thanongsone Xaysongkham (Tham) made the team in 2023.
Team Manager Caroline Bottrill says the team is committed to a strong performance at the Asia Cup, even though training opportunities are limited.
‘Unfortunately due to work commitments theboys can only get together once a week, but they are training hard in areas they need to improve,’she said.
Although training opportunities are limited, the players are working hard on areas they need to improve.
‘We are getting better and better each year and a new contingent of locals from the rugby association has also helped us.’
Laos will be looking for on-field leadership from captain Thanongsone Xaysongkham, veteran and vice-captain Vilaylack Onphanmany, while Sonesila Chanthavong (Kino) and Komin Phengmeuang (Komin) have gained valuable experience in recent years.
Kern takes a strong mark at the Asian Championships.
Two players will also be making their debut in international footy – Anousith Chaleunesouk (Xang) and Sengthong Sisoulath.
The team will be coached again by Stephan Wood.
