A New Era of Rugby Begins in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai will play host to the inaugural Pr11me: The Gathering, a bold new 11-a-side rugby tournament that brings together players from across the globe for a week of cultural exchange, competition, and innovation.

Held from July 12 to 19, the event marks the first official showcase of the Pr11me format, designed to evolve the way social and development rugby is played, particularly in Asia.

More than just a tournament, The Gathering is exactly that: a coming together of cultures, perspectives, and playing styles. By removing barriers like club loyalty and national allegiance, it fosters connection on and off the field.

What Is Pr11me Rugby?

Pr11me Rugby is a streamlined 11-a-side version of the sport that keeps traditional rugby DNA intact while injecting it with a fresh dose of pace, strategy, and optional risk.

Key Innovations Include

  • Sideline Slot Option: When a team scores a try under the posts, they are given a choice: either take the straightforward 2-point conversion, or attempt a much more difficult Sideline Slot kick from the circular scoring zone located between the 15-metre and 22-metre lines near the touchline. A successful Sideline Slot is worth 4 points, rewarding boldness and accuracy under pressure.
  • Double or Nothing: Teams that score a try can elect to tap restart from the opposition 22 and attempt to score again within three phases. If they succeed, they earn a 10-point total. Fail, and the opposition restarts with a 22-metre dropout. It creates comeback opportunities and forces teams to weigh risk vs reward in real time.. It creates comeback opportunities and forces teams to weigh risk vs reward in real time.

“We’re not claiming to have invented 11-a-side rugby,” says Tom Pullen (NextGenXV), “but what makes Pr11me different is how it’s structured and presented. It’s a true pathway to 15s. Sevens is ultimately a backline-dominated game, and while Tens is entertaining, it can be a bit one-dimensional. Adding the extra forward opens up more tactical variety. Features like Sideline Slot and Double or Nothing introduce fresh strategic decisions for players and keep things exciting for spectators, while staying rooted in fun and development. We’re keeping traditional numbering to aid familiarity, but we’ve also made meaningful tweaks to how certain positions are understood, giving Pr11me its own distinct identity.”

Why “The Gathering”?

The name of the event is no accident. Pr11me: The Gathering is a deliberate effort to break down silos in the rugby community. Teams are not based on nationality, club, or skill tier. Instead, players are randomly assigned to six new squads at the start of the week, revealed only during a jersey presentation ceremony.

This structure creates an environment where Thai players, expats, and touring internationals collaborate as teammates, not opponents.

“This is an excellent opportunity for young players from diverse backgrounds to connect,” says Pat Cotter, (11s Rugby Co. Ltd) & founder of the Phuket and Chiang Mai 11s International Rugby Tournaments. “It’s about more than rugby, it’s about shared experiences, building friendships, and immersing in a week of competitive fun with people whom you may never have otherwise met.”

Event Structure

Dates: July 12–19, 2025

  • Format: League stage followed by Cup and Plate playoff rounds
  • Match Length: 15 minutes per game
  • Team Assignment: Random draw, revealed during jersey ceremony
  • Venue: Suthep Stadium, Chiang Mai

The Teams of Chiang Mai

Each of the six teams carries a name drawn from the geography, mythology, and cultural texture of Chiang Mai—giving the event a strong local identity and anchoring it in the region’s sense of place.

  • Yonok Wolves: Named for the ancient Yonok Kingdom, believed to be the precursor to the Lanna Empire. The Wolves symbolize a return to tribal pride and heritage.
  • Suthep Storm: Inspired by Doi Suthep, the mountain that dominates Chiang Mai’s skyline and is home to the sacred Wat Phra That temple. The “Storm” captures both the weather rolling off the hills and the spiritual force of the region.
  • Nimman Bulls: A nod to Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiang Mai’s bustling, youthful district known for its urban energy, coffee culture, and modern vibe. The Bulls represent a mix of style and raw physicality.
  • Lanna Falcons: Named for the Lanna Kingdom, which gave northern Thailand its distinctive art, script, and customs. The Falcon represents vision, speed, and the soaring legacy of Northern Thai identity.
  • Doi Saket Rhinos: From the serene valley of Doi Saket, east of the city, known for agriculture and meditation retreats. The Rhino is a symbol of grounded power and unyielding strength.
  • Mae Ping Vipers: Taking their name from the Mae Ping River, which flows through the city, the Vipers represent agility, unpredictability, and striking ability from any angle.

Positional Numbering: Tradition Meets Innovation

To help players and fans stay oriented, traditional jersey numbers are preserved. However, Pr11me introduces slight terminology shifts to better reflect the demands of its 11-player structure.

Match Day Schedules

Khun Kiattichai Noptakul, the Chairman of Thai Rugby Union North said of the event, “I feel so excited for the upcoming visit of the boys from South Africa. It is very great opportunity for our local players, to learn and gain experience for our Rugby development in Chiang Mai. It also gives us the opportunity to share our North culture, food and traditions with them and also learn from them about theirs. The friendships made will last a lifetime.”

Dave McRitchie, chairman of the Chiang Mai Cobras had this to say “Cobras Rugby Chiang Mai is very pleased to be involved in hosting the upcoming Pr11me Rugby 11s tournament. There will be 46 South African Academy players aged 23 and younger, joining us in Chiang Mai. We will share a bit about Lanna history & Culture, with temple and local site seeing, and finish off with a community outreach project to benefit local Thai children. We are excited and pleased to be involved, and hope that this can become an annual event. This is extremely beneficial in exposing our young local players to South African rugby culture and playing styles. The South African touring party will also be making a documentary about this exciting event. We are very pleased to be able to share Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand with our guests in what promises to be a fun week full of great rugby, new friendships, and learning for all participants.”

“With Thai players from the Chiang Mai All Stars, CMU Rugby Club & the Chiang Mai Cobras, its a great platform to showcase the abundant local talent in the region,” concluded Pat Cotter.

Entry is free so come on down and support cross cultural grass roots rugby at its best.

For more information contact

Tom at tom@nextgenxv.com or Pat at info@11srugby.com