BACKGROUND - The country of Myanmar (aka Burma) has been a nation in non stop conflict since the end of WW2. But now, after all this time they are opening up to the outside world. In 2013 a small group of determined expats started a Rugby Club called the Yangon Dragons and now, has invited the Braytrain over to take a look. In March 2017, I took them up on that offer.  

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FRIDAY NIGHT - I was met at the airport by Stacey, President of the Dragons (also known as Khalesi Mother of Dragons) who took me straight to one of the Dragons local hang outs The Arena Sports Bar. Here I was met by the Yangon Dragon family who are determined to show me a good time. They are a mix of nationalities, including Americans, Irish, English with the odd Aussie and Kiwi, all drawn together by Rugby. As the evening proceeds I discover that Yangon is not a popular living destination due to it's history, high cost of living and the many challenges of living in a developing country. It was great to touch base with this group of Rugby enthusiasts and as I returned to the Merchant Hotel, I am keen to find out more.

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SATURDAY  - I was escorted by Caroline a Yangon Teacher of 4 years who took me out to the Yangon United Football Grounds to witness the fruits of Junior Rugby development here. Groups of children from schools around the city played a variety of Rugby related games. For many it was the first time they had seen an oval ball. About half of the kids where from the Little Dragons program, a Yangon Dragons intiative which is barely a year old. The next few hours were spent wearing down both the kids and the adults who put on a demonstation game of touch between Dragons and their only local rivals, The Insein Dogs. It was blistering hot, and I was impressed by their commitment. At 5pm it was time to leave with the anticipation of meeting the Little Dragons again tomorrow.

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SATURDAY NIGHT - Tonight was the Six Nations  clash between a rejuvenated Scottish team,  and the all conquoring England. We packed into the 50 Street Resturaunt Bar, the traditional venue for all touring clubs in Yangon. The crowd consisted of parochial English fans and everyone else supporting Scotland, but  alas, we were quickly silenced as the men in white ran rampant. It was obvious that despite all the challengers, of living here in Myanamr, these guys where cultivating a Rugby culture with all the hall marks of the fellowship that makes it a great world wide sporting community

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SUNDAY - It was time to get out to see the Little Dragons in their home enviroment as Caroline took me to the outskirts of Yangon. As we drove down hot dusty streets the roads where lined with rickity infrastructure in various states of decline and the odd pile of garbage.  We found our way to DTAK, a tutorial school designed to help the kids make up for the govenment school's education short comings. Just over a year ago founders Ben Mudd and Caroline introduced the school to Rugby and they embraced it. I had the privilidge of tossing the ball around with the kids on the dustry track outside the school, and as i did was reminded of the global attraction of Rugby. 

After  an hour we grabbed a couple of a couple of older kids and went to a nearby Monastic school for young boys. On our arrival the boys came pouring out with enthusiasm. The courtyard was a dustbowl, but with Caroline calling the shots and some great help from the young volunteers from the lads threw themselves into the games. After about 90 minutes the older Monks ushered the boys inside and it was time for us to go.

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SUNDAY EVENING - My final night in Yangon I spent hanging with Stacey and interviewing her regarding the future of the Yangon Dragon. There is so much to appreciate about the Yangon Dragons. They have more limitations then any other Asian Rugby group I've experienced. They have few sponsors, so the club and Little Dragons are funded from their own pockets Expats are very  transient nature in Myanmar, and the Dragonsh ave no local opposition for the contact team. Yet the Yangon Dragons not only persevere, but have great hopes for Rugby in Myanmar. The goal is to grow Rugby to the point where Myanmar has its own Federation and competes on the international stage, But for all the enthsusiam and commitment that i have witnessed this weekend, the Dragons need help.

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CONCLUSION - A winning formula for Asian Rugby is, more often then not, combining local enthusiasm and international support. This is the dynamic that needs to kick into action in Myanmar. Touring clubs and other Rugby organisations who have a passion to grow Rugby internationally needs to give Yangon serious consideration  I didnt get the pleasure of witnessing a Yangon Dragon Rugby tour, but based on the hospitality I received  it would be a cracking time. More then just a good tour, you could play an essential role in building up Rugby in Myanamar, changing lives and making a bit of history.

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What are you waiting for, Rugby's latest frontier is calling for you!

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