Rugby showdown to benefit Thai flood victims
English Premiership rugby union champions Saracens will make their debut in Hong Kong when they take on an Asia Pacific Barbarians team in the Chartis Cup on June 9.
Saracens’ current playing squad contains a big contingent of international players.
All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina, now playing in Japan after winning 100 caps for his country, will be joined in the Barbarians line-up by flying Fijian Sireli Bobo and Samoan brothers Alesana and Henry Tuilagi.
Mark McCall, Saracens’ director of rugby, said, “Hong Kong represents something special in the rugby world, largely because of the annual Sevens tournament.”
Proceeds from the event will go towards the Royal Project office in Thailand, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, to renovate schools hit by flooding last year, and help students from poor families with the expense of attending classes.
The inaugural Chartis Cup was staged last June at Hong Kong Football Club with ticket sales and donations generating more than US$50,000 for children and families affect by the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
by Ian Jarrett
Ian Jarrett
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