Dear LRC members,
I never thought that back in 2017, when I initially conceived the idea of creating a rugby club, that this is where it would get to. To set up a fun, friendly rugby club, where the main goal was just to have fun with like-minded people.
I can go on about all the various stages, hardships and euphoric moments, alas I’ll keep it brief and to the point. I simply love the club and everyone that is a part of it.
Before I go on, I’d like to say a MASSIVE thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me past and present. Without all of you, the club wouldn’t be what it is today.
A special thank you goes out to Lonny, the Chairman and Head Coach at Chiang Rai Northern Bears. Without your constant energy to make rugby happen in the north, LRC wouldn’t exist today. You have been an inspiration to me for how dedicated, consistent and welcoming you’ve been for the Lions.
Over the last couple of years the youth rugby programme has come on leaps and bounds, however this wouldn’t have been possible if not for Annie’s incredible dedication, week in week out, rallying the kids at House For Hope Kids Ark Foundation. It has been a fantastic experience working with you. All the children are such fun to coach. There’s a few gems in there and I can’t wait to see how they develop over the years with Lanna Rugby Club.
The club has become its own beast and for me, it’s a wonder to behold. All I can do is to say thank you to the club for putting up with me for the years I have been at the helm. It has been an exciting once in a lifetime adventure for me that I can never forget.
The people that are a part of Lanna Rugby Club are what makes it. As I mentioned, the reason I set up this club was to make friends, however it is so much more than that. I feel we are one big family. All willing to help one another out, not just on the pitch, but in life also. Anyone who plays the sport knows how magical it can be to play within a rugby club. For those of you who don’t, come and give it a try.
Before this year’s AGM I’d been speaking with Hirsty quite a bit. Discussing future visions but also sharing memories of how the club came to be. He asked me why I started the club, the honest answer was “I’m just a guy, doing something”. I never thought what would happen if it took off or not. Five years later, the club keeps growing, attracting new players of all creeds and nations.
As I sign off this first chapter of the club, I’d like to say how much of a privilege it has been to be a part of something so special.. Long may the club continue to prosper under the new management.
We Are LANNA!
Yours Sincerely,
Tom Stubley
