In light of recent comments made by an anonymous reader (see tagboard), Rugby-Net is delighted to present an exclusive interview with probable NTU starters: current Singapore skipper, Rongy; and frontrow kingpins, Rebel Rong and Mr. B.

Rugby-Net: How does it feel to be labeled as an over-aged has-been?

Rongy: Over-aged? I’m 27 and my bro’s 29. Umaga and Gregan are 33 and still playing top flight rugby. Over-aged? You gotta be kidding me mate. And dude, I ain’t any has-been. I’m an always-am.

Rebel R: Never knew there was any age cap to IVP. I’m a humble person, REALLY. But I’m DAMN good as well. Maybe the NTU SELECTORS can determine if I’m a has-been after my try-scoring season with Bedok.

Mr. B: Well, this pair of guns (flexes biceps) HAS BEEN to places across Asia and kicked alot of rugby ass for fun, so thanks for the compliment.

Rugby-Net: What is your definition of the cream of Singapore rugby?

Rongy: Well, the conventional one would be of course the best in Singapore. However, there is also another definition - cream is purely decorative, just takes up space and makes people fat, pretty useless in fact.

Rebel R: You have to don national colours, of course (points to himself smugly).

Mr. B: You gotta have the reputation for playing colourful and entertaining rugby, day in and day out man. And not forgetting the gym sessions as well. Rrrr.

Rugby-Net: The ‘kings of IVP’, a myth or misconception?

Rongy: Neither. It’s a joke. The only king seems to be from NTU. Even though he likes to cross dress at times, it doesn’t take away the fact that he is King Thiam. Or do we call him Queen Thiam when he is in a dress? Hmmm (ponders)..

Rebel R: It is just some illusion of grandeur. I would be more than happy (points to ONLY himself again) to guide the NTU team and establish this illusion into a reality.

Mr. B: I think it is simply a misconception. But it is always good to be a king, and I speak for the three of us. Witness our crowning moment in the Singapore Cup Final 2005.

Rugby-Net: Wtf?

Rugby-Net: Alright, back to the interview proper. The IVP crown may be one title that is missing from your list of accolades, any thoughts on that?

Rongy: Yes, the elusive IVP crown. The Holy Grail of Rugby. I’m hoping that talks between my agent and NTU will be successful and I can complete my move to NTU, so that I can have a shot at the IVP crown. Hopefully, the appeal of NTU, topped with an attractive monetary incentive, would be too good an offer to refuse (makes a ‘V’ sign with his fingers).

Rebel R: The IVP comp - where legends are made. Joining NTU will fulfill my dream of winning the IVP title and end my illustrious career on a high. I owe the NTU SELECTORS a debt of gratitude, and I will do all I can (yes, points to himself yet again), to lead NTU to the championship.

Mr. B: Well to be honest, my SAFSA old boys batch have indirectly won the IVP, ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ division titles in one day back in 2000 when we played NTU, RJ and RI. We laid the smackdown on all of them in one day. Nothing much, really. RIGHT ANOT, Rong?

Rugby-Net: The start of the NRC campaign has seen many players from various universities in action, any pick on the potential IVP contenders?

Rongy: The players that could make an impression in the IVP tournament should come from SMU. Amos ‘The man who snubbed NTU’ Siow and Desmond ‘I’m f**ked up’ Wee will be the players to watch this tournament.

Rebel R: I agree. Desmond has been in AWESOME form of late, though my INDIVIDUAL contribution leading up to his first try for Bedok should not be overlooked as well. Amos has displayed a great deal of pace and passion in recent league matches as well. It will be no surprise if SMU gives NUS and NTU a run for their money.

Mr. B: I am not in the position to judge but I think NUS will still remain as firm favourites for a historic three-peat. They are the current holders so we have to respect that. The onus is on the boys from Boon Lay and the NTU SELECTORS to get their act together in order to achieve good results. Man, I gotta increase my monster workout sessions (flexes both biceps)..

Rugby-Net: Thanks guys, hopefully this interview has shed some light for any doubters and all the best in the upcoming matches as well.

Rongy: Yea anytime (makes a double ‘V’ sign).

Rebel R: Just for you, from me (points to himself).

Mr. B: No prob (flexes biceps).

Rugby-Net: ...